.:■■ 



m# 



W 



s 



IHqI&B 



Hlilllp 



m 



w 



m. 



mmm®. 






m 



Vi> 



■ ** 






m\ 



ill 






sii&iiiisiiii 



^« f « 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



dljap* ©opt:rig|t !$«. 

Shelf... 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



the jewish 
Home Prayer-Book 

A Manual of Household Devotion 



Edited by a Committee of the Jewish Ministers' 
Association of America 



I will give heed unto the perfect way I will walk with a perfect 

heart within ray house. — Psalm ci. 2 

The Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His 
song shall be with me, a prayer unto the God of my life. — Psalm xlii. 8 



i1 



Published for the Jewish Ministers' Association 

Philip Cowen, 498-500 Third Avenue, New York 
The Bloch Publishing and Printing Co., Cincinnati, Ohio 

1888 



V* 



J* 1 *?* 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1887 

By F. de Sola Mendes 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C 



Press of Philip Cowen 

498-500 Third Ave. 

New York. 



PREFACE. 



The Jewish Home Prayer-Book is the outcome of much 
reflection among the members of the Jewish Ministers* 
Association, at whose conference in Baltimore, October, 1885, 
the Rev. Louis Stern gave the first impetus to the work in a 
paper upon " Home-Worship/' wherein he forcibly demon- 
strated the vital and immediate necessity for some such book, 
to conserve aught of the olden spirit of Jewish piety in our 
American homes. A committee, consisting of Rev. Drs. G. 
Gottheil, F. de Sola Mendes and H. W. Schneeberger, was 
appointed to prepare a practical report upon the suggestion, 
and in May, 1886, this committee from which Dr. Schnee- 
berger had meanwhile retired, reported that on due examin- 
ation it found a little manual entitled " Haus-Andacht," 
and published by Rev. Drs. Szold and Jastrow, eminently 
fitted to serve as the foundation of such a work, and that 
likewise it was authorized to state that these gentlemen 
would relinquish to the Association all rights to an English 
version. The committee, to which then Rev. Drs. K. Kohler, 
A. Kohut and L. Stern were added, was requested to proceed 
with the translation and elaboration of the "Haus-Andacht," 
and, with valuable preparatory work done by Miss Henrietta 
Szold, the committee presented in November the MS. of an 
English version of the same. It was, however, thought ad- 
visable that this should be considerably enlarged by the 
addition of new prayers and meditations not included in the 
original, and the committee, from which, however, Rev. Dr. 
Kohler withdrew, was authorized to print and publish the 
same under the auspices of the Association when completed 
to its satisfaction. The result is the present volume. 



IV PREFACE 

In presenting this book, the undersigned desire it to be 
understood that it is in no wise intended to interfere with 
any existing congregational ritual, but simply to supply an 
acknowledged want in our households, a vernacular home- 
manual of religious reading in the line of Jewish devotion. 
Accordingly, matters of doctrine and interpretation whereon 
opinion might be found to differ among us, were either 
altogether avoided or given such broadly Jewish expression 
as could evoke dissent in the minds of none; our book is 
intended for all. 

Sabbath evening prayers for the home circle, so worthy 
of introduction, are here suggested; so too for each of the 
Festivals, with an appropriate Table-grace which may 
supplement the customary Kiddush. Short daily morning 
and evening prayers, with special petitions suited for the 
individual circumstances of the members of the household, 
including children; births and marriages, too, the dedication 
of a new home, journeys, voyages, all were believed to be 
proper subjects for treatment in a manual of household 
devotion. Finally, those mournful days which likewise must 
come to every home, when sickness renders anxious and 
death startles our too thoughtless round of life, furnish 
abundant scope for petition and meditation, in the home and 
in the cemetery, for private as well as for public prayer, a 
form of which last has been added. For these days primarily, 
but for all other days as well, a series of ethical readings 
and a few poetical selections have been included, and the 
gems of thought and of lyric art thus gathered here, it is 
presumed, will be unwelcome to no one. 

It remains but to add that while the general selection has 
been the work of all the undersigned, the responsibility for 
the treatment, diction and editorship generally, rests with 
Rev. Dr. de Sola Mendes, from whose pen likewise are the 
Meditations for the Sabbaths, the Festivals, the Daily Prayers 



PREFACE V 

for Children, and sundry occasional prayers, such as that 
for a student, for dedicating a new house etc., etc. Rev. 
Dr. Gottheil collaborated especially in the ethical readings, 
(which it is believed are given here in terse and forcible 
rendition,) as well as in contributing sound editorial criticism 
throughout the whole course of the work. 

In conclusion, we beg to say we consider this present 
effort a tentative one : our English-speaking brethren must 
pass the final verdict upon it, and their suggestions will be 
held in view in future editions. It is especially to our brother 
ministers that we shall look for aid in this direction. Our 
inspiration has been the natural prayerfulness of Israel's 
children, which in all generations has put forth such beauteous 
tendrils of prayer and praise, of psalm and devotional medi- 
tation ; and with it, the pressing necessity which prevails for 
furnishing some such hand-book to lead that inherited dis- 
position as on trelliswork, to trained and well ordered growth 
and luxuriance. May this our effort help to preserve that 
inestimable possession of our people, its home-religion, 
whereupon alone home-happiness is founded. And. may 
He, whom Israel in all ages has revered as the " Hearkener 
to Prayer" rr?£n JJBIt?, bless our earnest endeavor to feed 
the flame of devotion in Judah's homes, and to contribute 
to the preservation of unity of spirit among all our 
brethren. 

Gustav Gottheil, F. de Sola Mendes, 

Temple Emanuel, Nev- York, Cong. Shaaray Tejilla, New York. 

Alexander Kohut, Louis Stern, 

Cong. A haw at h Chesedy Washington Hebrew Cong. 

New York Washington , D. CV 



INDEX , 



Part I. — General Home- Prayers. 

PAGE 

" Adon Olam " (English version) 20 

Chanuka, Psalm and Meditation for . . 33 

Evening Prayers for Week-days . . . . 16 

Evening Prayers for Passover , 26 

Evening Prayers for Pentecost .... 29 

Evening Prayers for Sabbath . . . . 21 

Evening Prayers for Tabernacles .... 30 

Festivals, Evening Prayers for . 26 

Grace before Meals (" Kiddush" or Sanctification) . 13 

Grace after Meals ..... 14 

Introduction to the Haggadah-service for Passover . 40 

Lighting the Festival Candles, Prayer on . . 26 

Lighting the Sabbath Candles, Prayer on . . . 21 

Morning Prayers for Week-days ... 9 

New Year, "Kiddush '\ or Sanctification for . . 14 

Night Prayers . 37 

Ninth of Ab (Tisha Be-Ab) Psalm and Meditation for . 35 

Passover, Evening Prayers for ..... 26 

Passover, Introduction to the Haggadah for . . 4° 

Pentecost, Evening Prayers f or 29 

Purim, Psalm and Meditation for . . . . 33 

Sabbath Evening Prayers ., . . . 21 

"Shemang" ("Hear, O Israel") . . . 11, 17, 39 

Tabernacles, Evening Prayers for . . 30 

Tish'a Be-Ab, Psalm and Meditation for . 35 

Part II. — Special or Individual Prayers. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

1 . A Daily Prayer for the Father of a Family . 44 

2. A Mother's Daily Prayer , . 45 

3. A Student's Daily Prayer .... 46 

4. Daily Prayer of a Betrothed Bride ... 47 



INDEX Vll 

PAGR 

5. A Newly Married Wife's Daily Prayer . . 48 

6. A Widow's Daily Prayer .... 50 

7. An Orphan's Daily Prayer .... 50 

8. A Daily Prayer during the Week of Mourning . 51 

9. Prayer on the Anniversary of a Parent's Death (Yahr-zeit) 52 

10. A Bridegroom's Prayer on his Wedding-day . 53 

11. Prayer of a Bride on her Wedding-day . . 53 

12. The Parents' Prayer on their Child's Wedding-day 54 

13. A Mother's Prayer during her Son's Initiation (Milah) 56 

14. Prayer on a Journey .".'... 57 

15. Prayer during a Voyage . , x . 58 

16. Prayer after a Voyage .... 59 

17. Prayer during a Storm at Sea. . , , 60 
j 8. Prayer after any Danger safely passed . . 60 
19. Prayer on Dedicating a Dwelling ... 62 

SICKNESS. 

i . Thoughts on Sickness .... 64 

2. On Visiting the Sick ..... 66 

3. Prayer on behalf of a Sick Parent . . . 67 

4. Prayer for a Sick Husband or Wife ... 68 

5. Prayer for a Sick Child .... 69 

6. Prayer in behalf of a Sick Brother, Sister or Friend . 69 

7. A Sick Person's Prayer ... 70 

8. Prayer of Resignation and Confession of Sin for the Dying 71 

9. Prayer of Thanksgiving on Recovery ... 72 
10. A Mother's Prayer after Confinement . . 73 

DEATH. 

1. Prayer on preparing the Dead for Burial . . 75 

2. Prayer on the Death of a Parent . . . 75 

3. An Orphan's Prayer ..... 76 

4. Prayer of a bereaved Husband or Wife . . 78 

5. The Parents' Prayer on their Child's Death . . 79 

6. Meditation on the Dead , 80 

7. Meditations for the House of Mourning . . 82 

8. A Private Prayer during the Week of Mourning . 86 
9 Public Prayers at the House of Mourning . . 92 



via 



INDEX 



PAGE 

10 The Sanctification of God: " Kaddish'' (English Paraphrase) 95 

1 1 Meditation at the Cemetery . . . . 96 

12 At the Grave of a Father .... 99 

13 At the Grave of a Mother . . . . .100 

14 At the Grave of a Child , 101 

15 At the Grave of a Husband or Wife . , . 102 

16 At the Grave of a Brother or Sister or Friend . 107 

Part III. — Ethical Readings. 

Selections from the '' Sayings of the Fathers" (Pirke Aboth) 107 

Selections from Mediaeval Jewish Writers . . 117 

Part IV. — Children's Prayers. 

1. Morning Prayers for little Children . . . 124 

2. Night Prayers for little Children , . . 124 

3. Daily Prayers for Older Children . ; . 125 

4. Grace before and after Meals . . . 1 29 

5. A Child's Prayer on its Birthday , , . 130 

6. A Child's Prayer on its Parent's Birthday , 130 

7. Prayer at the Commencement of School-term . . 131 

8. Prayer at the Close cf School-term . . . 131 

9. Prayer for a Sick Friend . . . ,132 

10. Prayer during Preparation for Confirmation . 133 

11. "Seeds" ...... 133 

Part V. — Poetical Selections. 

The Home-Prayer * 134 

God ....... 134 

The Lord is Nigh . . . . . 136 

The Sabbath Lamp . • . * . .137 

Our Trials ...... 138 

The Time of Old Age . . . . .138 

The Mystic Tie . . . . . . 139 

Life's Good-Morning ..... 140 

To the Loved Dead . . . . . 14° 

The Tongue ..... . 141 

My Times are in Thy hand . ♦ . . 142 

The Chanuka Hymn ..... 143 



The Jewish Home Prayer-Book. 



MORNING PRAYERS. 

(A.) 

My God, the soul which Thou hast given me is pure for 
Thou art its Creator and Disposer. Thou hast breathed it 
into me and dost guard it within me ; Thou wilt in Thine 
own good time take it from me and preserve it for futurity 
While this soul animates my being, I will serve Thee and 
adore Thee. Praised be Thou, Lord of all creatures, 
Source and Ruler of all souls. . 

May it be pleasing to Thee, Eternal our God, to assist 
us in Thy ways, that Thy name may be honored and Israel 
elevated by our actions; may we walk according to the 
precepts of Thy law, remaining firm in our devotion to 
Thee and coming never into temptation or shame May 
our better promptings always lead us to do good and noble 
deeds with pleasure and with love, and faithfully discharge 
fhe duties of our sphere. Gird us with strength to govern 
our inclinations, and to rule them according to Thy will 
Grant that by a worthy and a pious life we may ^eve favor 
love and mercy in Thine eyes and regard in the eyes 
of our fellowmen, and that we may share in allotments jof 
Thy favor and condescension. Praised be Thou A mighty 
God, who bestowest mercies and grace upon the children of 
men with hand unstinting. 

We thank Thee, Lord our God and universal Ruler, for 
that Thou hast created light and darkness, and causest 



10 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

them to alternate to the well-being of all Thy creatures, For 
it is Thy power giveth light to the earth and to them that 
dwell thereon, renewing day by day the wonders of creation. 
How manifold are Thy works, O God! and Thou hast 
formed them all in consummate wisdom, the earth is full of 
Thy bounties. The origin of all things proclaims Thy great- 
ness, so that from aforetime Thou art praised and glorified 
by Thy works. Lord of the Universe, let Thy love always 
rule upon us. that we may never cease to tender our duti- 
ful gratitude to Thee as the Lord of our strength, the rock 
of our refuge, our shield and our salvation. 

Accept our humble thanks, Almighty Ruler, for the 
Majesty of Thy handiwork and for the beautiful luminaries 
of the skies Thou hast formed. Amen. 

After either of the above prayers : 

In Thine all-encompassing love, O God, Thou revealest 
Thyself to us, Thy people; Thy majesty and Thy glory to 
us are clear. To our ancestors Thou didst give precepts of 
life, do Thou also unto us extend Thy mercy by making us 
receptive of them. All-merciful Father, inspire our hearts 
with affection and earnest zeal for knowledge and percep- 
tion, that we may lovingly cleave to the teachings of Thy law, 
understand them and esteem them, learn and teach them, 
observe and do them in affectionate devotion. Enlighten 
our eyes in Thy law, confirm our hearts in Thy precepts and 
let us unite, in the love of Thee and reverence for Thy 
name, with all our fellowmen. In Thy great and holy 
name we trust that Thou wilt rejoice us with Thy salvation. 
For Thou art the source of all enlightenment, and Thou 
hast chosen us of all races and nations to come nearest to 
Thee in the knowledge of Thy being, and to proclaim 
Thee One, for ever and indivisibly One. Be praised 
then, O God, our Lord and universal Ruler, for that Thou 



MORNING PR A YER 11 

hast chosen Israel in love, to preach Thee and to praise 
Thee. Amen. 

" Hear O Israel, the Eternal our God is the Eternal One." 

"Blessed be the name of His Kingdom's glory for ever and ever." 

" And thou shalt love the Eternal, thy God, with all thy 
heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And 
these words which I command thee this day shall be on 
thy heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy 
children, and shalt speak of them when thou sittest in thy 
house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest 
down and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them 
for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be as frontlets 
between thine eyes, and thou shalt write them upon the 
doorposts of thy house and upon thy gates/' 

" I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the 
land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage," 

" True it is that Thou art the first and Thou art the last, 
and beside Thee there is for us no savior and no redeemer. 
Our redeemer is the Lord of hosts, whose name is the 
Holy One of Israel/' 



Our God, and the God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac 
and Jacob, Thou art great, mighty and supreme, the Most 
High, Creator of heaven and earth. Thy commands were 
our fathers' shield and protection, Thy word animates us 
with the hope of eternal life; holy art Thou, and beyond all 
compare. 

Almighty Father, grant me perception of Thy ways, and 
knowledge of Thy will, that my heart be opened to reverence 



12 THE JEWISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

of Thee, and to all noble sentiments. Forgive me if I fall 
into sin, and release me from every ill, for the sake of Thy 
holy name. Hold sickness and suffering far from me and 
mine, and let us participate in the fulness of Thy bounty. 
Grant that the idols of vanity and superstition shall 
disappear from this fair earth; that they who reverence 
Thee may rejoice in the victory of truth, and their devo- 
tion to it be recognized. Let me not go from Thee with 
prayers unanswered; Thou dost read the secret petitions of 
all Thy children ; blessed be Thou who hearkenest unto 
prayer. 

As a reverent, humble servitor of Thy will, I will walk 
before Thee and daily offer my prayers to Thee, prayers of 
thankfulness and devotion, for Thou art the source of all 
blessings, and to Thee the gratitude of all creatures 
belongs. Blessed be Thou, O God, who fillest the hearts 
of Thine adorers with all-surpassing and most precious 
peace. 

Guard, my God, my tongue from evil and my lips from 
falsehood and deceit. Grant me calmness towards them 
who wish me evil; humility towards all men. Give me a 
heart receptive of Thy law and eager in the performance of 
Thy precepts. Frustrate the plans of those who frame evil 
against me, and keep me from devising ill against anyone. 
Accept with favor the words of my mouth and the medita- 
tions of my heart, O Lord, for Thou art my rock and my 
redeemer. Amen. 

And as Thou causest peace to rule in the universe 
around, shed peace upon us and upon all Israel. Amen 

Then add any of the Special Prayers (Part II.) which may be 
appropriate — See Index. 



PRA VERS A T MEALS 13 

PRAYERS AT MEALS. 



Before the Meal. 

On Sabbath : 

With this wine, the symbol of rejoicing, we greet, God, 
the entrance of Thy holy Sabbath. We thank Thee for the 
holy rest- day Thou didst wisely appoint, that we might 
cease from daily labor and give our thoughts and thanks 
to Thee. And as we recall with gratitude this day, how 
Thy mercy did rule creation's work to our blessing and 
advantage, so do we remember the redemption of Israel 
from Egypt, the preparation for the crowning favor of 
the Law's revelation. Bless therefore, O Lord our God and 
universal Ruler, the rejoicing of our heart and spirit on this, 
Thy holy Sabbath-day. Amen. 

" And the children of Israel shall observe the Sabbath, to 
keep the day of rest throughout their generations, for a 
perpetual covenant. Between me and the children of Israel 
it is a sign for ever, that in six days the Lord made the 
heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He ceased 
and rejoiced." — (Exodus xxxi, 16, 17.) 

On Festivals ; 

With this wine, the symbol of rejoicing, we greet, O God, 
the entrance of Thy holy festival of (Passover, Pentecost, 
Tabernacles.) We thank Thee for its sacred rest and glori- 
ous historical memories, which we preserve in reminis- 
cence of Thy mercy in redeeming us from Egypt's cruel 
bondage, and thus proclaiming Thy sovereignty over all 
human princes and rulers. Sanctify us ever with Thy 
commands, having chosen us from all nations to cele- 
brate with joy and gladness, peace and sacred solemnity, all 
the festivals of holy memories. Be praised, O Lord, our 



14 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

God and universal Ruler, who hast preserved us, sustained 
us, and brought us unto this festive season. Amen. 

On the JVew Year : 

With this wine, the symbol of rejoicing, we greet, O 
God, the entrance of this solemn evening which ushers us 
into a new year of life. We thank Thee for the appoint- 
ment of this time of earnest retrospection wherein the 
cornet's tones remind us that Thou art our King and to 
Thee alone our homage is due each day of our existence ; 
and that we, the chosen children of Thy people, are 
ordained to teach such homage unto all mankind. It was 
in love Thou didst give us this Day of Memorial, in love 
that Thou hast chosen us of all the nations to show that 
Thy word is truth and truth for ever. Blessed art Thou, 
King over all the earth, sanctifying Israel with the Day of 
Memorial. Amen. 

On all Days : 

We praise Thee, Lord our God, for the bread which 
Thou dost bid the earth produce. Amen. 



Grace after Meals. 

He who says Grace begins : 
Friends, let us give thanks to God of whose bounty we 
have eaten. 

The company answer: 
Praised be God of whose bounty we have enjoyed. 

He then continues : 

We offer Thee our thanks, O Lord our God, Ruler of the 
universe, for Thy gifts we have enjoyed at this table 
To Thee all creatures look for food, waiting on Thy bounty, 
and Thou givest what is necessary unto each one's support. 
So put we our trust in Thee, O Lord, that as Thou hast pre- 



PRA YERS A T MEALS 15 

served us hitherto, Thou wilt still further protect us through 
our lives. We praise Thee. Eternal, who in bounty feedest 
the universe. Amen. 

On Sabbath add : 

Grant, our God, that we shall make ourselves worthy of 
Thy protection by our observance of Thy commands, and 
especially of this the, Sabbath rest. Great and holy is this 
day, if we observe it by ceasing from all our accustomed 
labor, and celebrate it as a day of spiritual occupation and 
strengthening as Thy will has commanded it to us. Grant 
that it may in truth become to us a day that shall soften for 
us all earthly sorrow, still all sighs of sadness, and bring 
us happiness and comfort in the contemplation of Thy good- 
ness and salvation . A men . 

On Festivals add : 

Lord, our God, who hast appointed unto us this festival's 
holy celebration, let life, joy and happiness reign in this 
our home, as in the homes of all who honor Thee and 
observe Thy law. As Thou hast assured us of Thy merci- 
ful protection, so let us feel that Thy hand guards us always 
to our blessing and advantage. To Thee our eyes are 
raised, for Thou art merciful and compassionate. Amen. 

On all days : 

AH merciful Father, send Thy blessing upon this house 
and its inmates gathered around this table. Let us always 
enjoy Thy gifts in moderation and in health, and be ready 
also at all times to share our abundance with the needy and 
to give of our bread gladly to the hungry. May Thy spirit 
dwell in our midst and Thy peace surround us. Let us be 
witnesses of the growth of righteousness in the world, and 
have share in the bliss which is eternal. Amen. 



16 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

EVENING PRAYERS. 



He who reads aloud says : 

" Let us praise the Lord, for He is worthy of our 
adoration." 

The others respond : 

" Praised be the Lord, who is to be adored for all 
time. ,, 

The reader continues : 

Yea, praised be Thou, Lord, our God and Ruler of the 
universe, by whose word the shades of evening fall, and in 
the wisdom of whose ordainings the stars shine forth in 
their appointed courses. At Thy will, O Creator, daylight 
passes away and night approaches ; at Thy commanding 
word must darkness yield to light again. Lord of the 
hosts of heaven is Thy hallowed name, eternal living 
God. We praise Thee, O God, for the falling of the 
eveningtide. 

With everlasting love hast Thou blessed all Thine 
earthly children, and through Israel especially hast Thou 
vouchsafed unto all men, law and doctrine, statutes and 
commandments, that all be led nearer and ever nearer to 
Thee, to learn of Thee with purified and elevated ideas. 
May we, Thy thus honored children, never forget this 
sacred mission, but when we rise and when we seek our 
slumber, meditate upon the words and promises of Thy 
revealed will. For they are our life, they are length of 
days to us, and day and night we will seek excellence and 
enlightenment therein. Grant this Thy love shall never 
depart from us, as we thus daily praise and love Thy name 
and law. Blessed art Thou, Eternal One, for Thy love 
unto Thy people Israel. 



E VENING PRA YERS 17 

tv t: •• v: t: ■• tt ■ * s : 

" Hear, O Israel, the Eternal our God is the Eternal One." 

" Blessed be the name of His Kingdom's glory for ever and ever." 
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might. And 
these words which I command thee this day shall be on 
thy heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto 
thy children, and shalt speak of them when thou sittest in 
thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou 
liest down and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind 
them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be as 
frontlets between thine eyes, and thou shalt write them 
upon the doorposts of thy house and upon thy gates." 

Most true it is that Thou art the Eternal, our God, and 
besides Thee there is none; true, that Thou hast chosen us 
to proclaim and adore Thee. It was for this Thou didst 
preserve us from the hand of the Egyptian tyrant; it was for 
this Thou hast protected us through many a dark age, and 
from many an oppressor who sought our annihilation. 
Yea, great things and wondrous ones hast Thou done in our 
behalf, that our foot should not slip and our existence 
should be preserved. Full many times has the refrain 
which Moses and emancipated Israel sang upon the Red 
Sea strand, been repeated in our history — "Who, Lord, is 
like Thee among the mighty ones ; who, Lord, is like Thee, 
glorious in holiness, tremendous in deeds, wonder-working. " 
"The Lord reigneth for ever and ever/' Again and again 
has it proved true: " The Lord who ransomed Jacob, 
redeems him from the hand of all who are stronger than 
he;" praised be Thou, O Eternal One, who saveth Israel. 

Cause us to lie down, O Lord, in peace, and let us rise 
again to life and health. Spread over us the pavilion of 



1 8 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

Thy peace, help and protect us, ward off all evil and all sor- 
row. Cover us with the shadow of Thy wings, for Thou 
art our Protector. Guard all our goings out and our comings 
in, for Thou art He who spreadeth peace as a pavilion over 
all mankind. Amen. 

On Sabbath add the following until ' ' rejoiced. ' 

"And the children of Israel shall observe the Sabbath 
day, to keep the rest-day throughout their generations, for 
a perpetual covenant. Between me and the children of Israel 
it is a sign forever that in six days the Lord made the heaven 
and earth, and on the seventh day He ceased and 
rejoiced." 



Blessed art Thou,0 Lord our God,and God of our fathers 
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Thou art great and mighty and 
supreme, the Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. Thy 
commands were our fathers' shield and protection, Thy 
word animates us with the hope of eternal life. Holy art 
Thou beyond all compare. Accept our praise, Thou holy 
God. 

On Sabbath and Festivals add the following paragraph : 

Be pleased, our Father, to accept this our Sabbath rest 
(our festival repose) as a tribute of grateful obedience to 
Thine expressed commands. Give us all a wise perception 
of Thy law, bestow on us Thy bounty and Thy wise protec- 
tion, rejoice us with Thine assistance and purify our hearts 
to serve Thee fully and in fidelity and love. Be praised, O 
Eternal, who sanctifiest Israel by means of the Sabbath 
(and festivals). 



We humbly thank Thee, Lord, who art the rock of our 
existence. We thank Thee for our lives, which are bound up 
in Thy hand, for our souls that depend upon Thee, for the 



EVENING PR A VERS IV* 

good and wondrous care with which at all times, morning, 
noon and night, we are surrounded. All-merciful One, Thy 
goodness hath no end, Thy grace is unbounded, and we do 
put our hope in Thee always. 

Grant peace unto all mankind, and unto Israel give bles- 
sing and ample grace : yea, bless us all with light of Thy 
countenance, for in that light there are knowledge, wisdom, 
love and charity, justice and everlasting life. We thank 
Thee, O God, that Thou hast blest Israel with peace. 

(Silent Prayer?) Guard, my God, my tongue from evil 
and my lips from falsehood and deceit. Grant me calmness 
toward them who wish me evil, and humility toward all men. 
Give me a heart receptive of Thy law, and eager in the 
performance of Thy precepts. Frustrate the plans of those 
who frame evil against me and keep me from devising ill 
against any one. Accept with favor the words of my mouth 
and, all my heart's meditations, O Lord, for Thou art my 
rock and my redeemer. And as Thou causest peace and 
harmony to rule in the universe around, shed peace upon 
us and upon all Israel this night and for evermore. Amen. 

It is incumbent upon the House of Israel to give praise 
to Thee, O great Creator, for that Thou didst choose our 
people to be the exponents of Thy will to man. Thy law of 
justice, mercy and purity hath called us to be the nations' 
instructor. Therefore do we this day bend ourselves in 
grateful humility for this precious distinction, and worship 
the King of kings, the sole and unequalled Spirit, the loving 
Father of mankind. It is He who spread the heavens' 
expanse; He who founded the earth's structure and pre- 
scribed its limits. He is our God and none other, as the 
Scriptures warn, — " Know thou this day, and take it well to 
heart, that the Eternal is God in heaven above and on earth 
beneath, and there is none besides." 

Therefore do we hope, O God, that all unbelief and super- 



20 THE JEWISH HOME PR A YE R- BOOK 

stition shall speedily pass away before these crowning truths, 
that all sin and idolatry shall disappear, so that to Thee 
alone each knee shall bend and every tongue swear fealty. 
Thine are the kingdom and the eternal dominion : u The, 
Lord shall reign for ever and ever," "And the day shall 
come that, as the Lord is one, so shall His name and adora- 
tion be one. Amen." 

Hymn (Adon Olam). 

Lord over all ! whose power the sceptre swayed 
Ere first creation's wondrous form was framed, 

When by His will divine all things were made, 
Then King Almighty was His name proclaimed ! 

When all shall cease — this universe be o'er — 
In awful greatness He alone will reign, 

Who was, who is, and who will evermore 
In glory most refulgent still remain. 

Sole God ! unequalled and beyond compare ! 

Without division or associate ; 
Without commencing date or final year, 

Omnipotent He reigns in awful state. 

He is my God ! my living Savior He ! 

My sheltering rock in sad misfortune's hour, 
My standard, refuge, portion, He shall be 

My lot's disposer when I seek His power. 

Into His hands my spirit I consign, 

While wrapped in sleep, that I again may wake ; 
And with my soul, my body I resign, — 

The Lord with me — no fears my soul can shake. 



E VENING PRA YERS FOR SABBA TH 21 

EVENING PRAYERS FOR SABBATH. 

The Wife's Prayer on Lighting the Candles. 

With grateful heart, my Father and my God, do I per- 
form my wifely duty of kindling these lights in honor of 
the holiness of the Sabbath. I thank Thee that 
Thou hast preserved me and mine through the events 
of another week, and brought us with safety and 
with health unto this period of repose. And as the lights I 
kindle shine forth and shed their steady glow upon all 
around, grant that the holy sentiment of the Sabbath's 
peace which they portray, shall be realized in the 
serene happiness and undisturbed rejoicing of our home. 
Make us mindful ever of the words of Thy commandment, 
unto all Israel enjoined : M Remember the Sabbath-day, to 
keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy 
work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy 
God; on it thou shalt do no work, neither thou nor thy son 
nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, 
nor thy cattle nor the stranger that is within thy gates, for 
in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the 
sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; 
therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed 
it." Prosper in our minds the growth of the light of truth, 
dispelling darkness, putting ignorance to flight, and 
strengthening us to war against our lowly inclinations and 
our selfish promptings. Blessed are Thou, O Lord our 
God, who hast sanctified the Sabbath day. 

Psalm-selection 

" A psalm, a song for the Sabbath-day. It is good to give 

thanks unto the Lord and to sing praises unto Thy name, 

O Most High ; to show forth Thy loving-kindness in the 

morning and Thy faithfulness at night ; with the ten- 



22 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

stringed instrument or with the psaltery, with solemn music 
on the harp. For Thou hast rejoiced me, Lord, with Thy 
work : in the products of Thy hands do I exult. How 
grand are Thy works, O Lord, most profound are all Thy 
thoughts ! The brutish one knoweth this not, nor doth the 
foolish one understand it : that when the wicked spring up 
as the grass, when all the workers of iniquity do flourish, it 
is that they shall be destroyed for all time, and Thou, O 
Lord, art on high for evermore. But the righteous shall 
flourish like the palm-tree : they shall grow strong as the 
cedar of Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they 
shall flourish in our God's courts. They shall yield fruit 
even in old age : they shall be full of sap and flourishing : 
to show that the Lord is upright, He is my rock and there 
is no unrighteousness in Him. 

" The Lord is King : clad in majesty : the Lord is clad, 
is girt, with might. The world, too, is established, that it 
shall not be moved. Of old Thy throne was wrought, 
Thou art from everlasting. So let the floods lift up, O 
Lord, let the floods lift up their voice, the waves their 
roaring sound ; mightier yet than the voices of the waters 
many, mightier than the sounding breakers of the sea, is the 
Lord on high. Thy testimonies are clear exceedingly : 
holiness becometh Thy house, O Lord, for evermore." 

Meditation. 

(A.) 

The Sabbath has returned. The week's work is ended, 
and the sweet sanctity of the Seventh Day has entered our 
home. We feel ourselves the nearer to God, the more com- 
pletely we turn away from all earthly toil : and this is the 
peculiar blessing of the Sabbath, the most precious jewel in 
Israel's crown of the Law. May God grant to us to realize 



EVENING PR A YERS FOR SABBA TH 23 

this, to feel each avenue of our thoughts sanctified and 
blessed by a proper sense of the worth of the Sabbath-day. 
Give, God, that no sorrow or anxiety from without shall 
intrude uponour holy devotion; but that, undisturbed and 
unimpeded, we may give ourselves up to the spiritual de- 
lights that come of meditation upon Thee and Thy goodness 
to all Thy creatures. 

Looking back upon the events of the week, reviewing 
each day's happenings therein, our first regret must be that 
they have gone by so swiftly, that days have added them- 
selves to days so rapidly, until the week is complete again, 
and we are brought unto its end. But during every mo 
ment of these fast-flying hours, Thy hand has been around 
us, Father, to shield and protect us, to guide and to guard 
us ; accept our humble thanks for that with all Time's 
hasting speed, Thou hast not permitted us to be bowed 
down by suffering and sorrow. We all have trials, we all 
have disappointments ; but since our better knowledge and 
experience teach us that even these are to our chastening 
and advantage, even these we hail as Thy blessings, dispen- 
sations of Thy wise ordaining. So with the days gone by, 
some of them were joyful, and some of them o'ercast ; some 
brought satisfaction, and some the germs of events that per- 
haps may herald gloom or sorrow to some one or more of us, 
but safe in the shadow of Thy pinions, extending over us 
so solemnly and so sweetly in this, the Sabbath's repose, we 
commit all cares and all fears to Thee, confident that Thy 
love will never leave us, Thy goodness forsake us never. 

But to this consciousness of Thine ever-present grace 
and favor upon the work of our hands during the week, 
there comes the fear, perhaps only too well grounded, that 
we, on our part, have not done our duty in the week just 
closing. The dictates of conscience have not always been 
listened to ; the generous impulses of our better nature 



24 



THE JEWISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 



have been crowded down by selfish seekings. The voice of 
true kindness has been hushed, the hand of generosity has 
been at times restrained by promptings that were not noble, 
promptings which now seem so lowly and so small, when 
this Sabbath night bring us into contemplation of Thy great 
goodness and unceasing love. But therefore do we now 
humbly beseech Thee, Father of all flesh, knowing the 
weakness and the vanity of human hearts, that Thou wilt 
condescend to strengthen us and inspire us to better per- 
formance in the future, that Thou wilt cause somewhat of 
the serenity of the Sabbath to attend us and accompany us 
even beyond its sacred hours, into the days of labor that 
await us. So shall the Sabbath's blessing spread through all 
our lives, so shall its inspiration hallow and beautify all the 
coming years, and our whole life shall be a period of holy 
calm, a time of sanctity and devotion to the sacred dictates 
of Thy law, unto Israel made known. Spread over us all 
the tabernacle of Thy peace, bless and prosper this Sabbath- 
eve unto each one of us, that each may taste of the repose 
and restful solemnity Thou in Thy mercy hast ordained 
unto them that keep Thy Sabbaths and call them a delight. 
Amen. 

(B.) 

" And God blessed the Seventh Day and hallowed it, 
because that in it He rested from all His work which He 
had created and made." 

Sweet and holy is this day of rest, the first hours of 
which we have now entered, the day which Thou, O great 
Creator, didst vouchsafe unto Thy faithful ones, to be a 
source of strengthening unto their bodily powers, and a 
means of elevating their souls unto Thee. It is a day 
whfcreon our minds shall turn from the constant cares and 
disturbing interests of daily toil and turmoil, to dwell upon 
those spiritual truths which fortify our better natures, and 



E VENING PRA VERS FOR SABBA TH 25 

make us feel our kinship with the Holy One of Israel. 
And as it is Thy will, O God, that we should busy ourselves 
the week through with the care for earthly existence and 
support, so is it Thy decree that on the Seventh Day we 
should prepare our souls in those higher elements of earthly 
improvement which, we trust, shall accompany the spirit 
when the dawn shall come to each one, of the life that is 
repose alone, the life that lies beyond this. Our week-days' 
work would make us selfish, the Sabbath speaks to us of 
Thy generosity ; the week-days' work teaches strife and 
struggle and unceasing endeavor, the Sabbath discourses of 
restfulness and calm enjoyment ; material advancement is 
the week-days' inspiration, occupation with the spiritual 
pleasures of sacred knowledge, rightful estimate of life's 
ends and duties, the contemplation of Thy wondrous ways 
in our lives, that is the Sabbath-day's delight and instruction. 
Grant that we, O God, shall pass this day, whereon of 
old Thine approving glance of benediction did sweep over 
a universe completed, in somewhat of that holy restfulness, 
of that calm pleasure, the words of Scripture seek to describe 
to us. May our rest too, rest of body and repose of soul, 
be acceptable to Thee, that Thou declare it likewise " good 
exceedingly." And even as of old, Thy mercy to our 
wandering fathers did vouchsafe to them twofold provision 
of the manna in the wilderness, for the honor and the 
sanctity of the Seventh Day, so grant unto us, their 
children's children, a twofold blessing in mind and body. 
Open our eyes to the conviction that this Sabbath rest 
affords to us a constantly recurring demonstration of Thy 
presence in our lives, even in the humble field of our 
vocations and pursuits, to the end that we shall feel our- 
selves not forsaken, not forlorn and cast upon ourselves 
alone, but aided, blessed and strengthened by Thee. And 
to our physical powers likewise speed the Sabbath's leisure 



26 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

hours, that refreshment and reinvigoration may find us 
better prepared to take up again the duties of our livelihood, 
to work for those who depend upon our exertions. Bless 
us all upon this Sabbath-day, hold harm and sorrow far 
from us, all anxiety and misgiving ; spread over us all the 
tabernacle of Thy peace on the day that aforetime Thou 
didst bless and hallow. Amen. 

Then say the Evening Prayers \ /. 1 6 to 20. 



EVENING PRAYERS FOR THE FESTIVALS. 

The Wife's Prayer on Lighting the Festival Candles. 

With heartfelt gratitude, my God, do I perform my 
wifely duty of kindling these lights in honor of the holiness 
of this festival. Thou hast preserved me through all the 
trials of the season since Israel last assembled in festal 
array, and hast brought me in safety and in happiness unto 
this period of rejoicing. Grant that the lights I kindle shall 
illumine our homes with thoughts of thankfulness in all of 
us, with inspiring recollections of Thy mercy to our ances- 
tors, to the end that the true lesson of our festivals shall be 
present with us, to teach us to look up to Thee as Father 
and Guardian at all times. Be praised, our God, that 
Thou hast preserved us, sustained us and brought us to this 
festive season^ Amen. 



Psalm and Meditation for Passover. 

u Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good : forever 
His mercy endureth. Let the Lord's redeemed ones speak, 
rescued by Him from the adversary's hand and gathered 
from out the lands: from the east and from the west, from 



EVENING ERA VERS FOR THE FESTIVALS 2t 

the north and from the south. They wandered in the wil- 
derness in a desert way : a city of habitation found they 
not. Hungry and athirst, the soul in them fainted. Then 
they cried unto the Lord in their distress and He delivered 
them from their strait. He led them by an easy path, that 
they might come to a city of habitation. Let them, then, 
praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wondrous deeds 
for the sons of men For He satisfleth the longing soul, 
and the hungry spirit He filleth with good. 

" They too who sat in darkness and in misery, bound in 
affliction and iron. For they had rebelled against the words 
of God, and the counsel of the Most High had they con- 
temned. Therefore He weighed down their heart with 
hardship ; they fell and there was none to help. Then 
they cried unto the Lord in their distress, and from their 
strait He delivered them. He brought them forth from 
darkness and from misery, and brake their bands asunder. 
Then let them praise the Lord far His goodness and for 
His wondrous works for the sons of men. For He 
brake down doors of brass and cut the bars of iron in 
twain. 

" They who go down to the sea in ships, that do business 
in great waters ; they behold the works of God, and His 
wonders in the deep. For He commandeth, and the storm- 
wind riseth, lifting up the waves thereof. They mount up 
to heaven, they plunge into the depths, their soul melteth 
because of their danger. They reel to and fro, they stag- 
ger like drunken men, and all their skill is at end. Then 
they cry unto the Lord in their distress, and from their 
strait He delivereth them. He maketh the storm a calm, so 
that the waves thereof are still: then are they glad because 
they are quiet, and He bringeth them to the haven of their 
desire. Let them praise the Lord for His goodness, and 
for His wondrous deeds for the children of men. Let them 



28 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

exalt Him in the public assembly, and praise Him in the 
elders' seat." Amen. [Psalm cvii.^ 

"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial, and ye shall 
keep it a feast to the Lord ; throughout your generations ye shall 
keep it a feast, as an ordinance forever. " {Exodus xii, 14) 

Eternal God and Heavenly Father ! with joyous senti- 
ments all Israel comes before Thee this night, to thank Thee 
for Thine olden redemption of our fathers. Thou didst 
bring them forth, — and with them us, — from slavery unto 
freedom, from sorrow unto joy, from darkness unto light, 
the glorious light of Thy revealed will on Horeb. For all 
that makes a nation, for strength and inspiration, for duty 
and for dignity, for holy purpose and lofty aims, we have to 
thank the deliverance from Egyptian thralls, which this 
festive night commemorates. Accept, then, our weak, 
imperfect thanks for this redemption, the greatest boon in 
its results that Thou hast conferred upon mankind, and 
awaken our hearts to a feeling of the responsibility and 
duty attendant upon it. Cause us to be loyal, loving servi- 
tors of Thy will, champions of the poor and oppressed of 
every clime and color, the foes, the uncompromising foes, of 
all that is idolatrous and superstitious. Let the memory of 
our own emancipation aforetime fill us with the love of lib- 
erty and equal rights for all, and with the desire to minister 
unto the happiness and dignity of all our fellow-beings. 
Free us all from the slavery of sin, the bondage of iniquity, 
the fetters of prejudice and ignorance ; bring us forth from 
all distress, redeem us from every strait. So shall all Thy 
children intone the hymn of gratitude and echo the psalm- 
ist's words : they shall give thanks unto the Lord for His 
continuous goodness, for His wondrous work among the 
children of men. 

Over me and mine, gracious Father, hold Thy hand in 
loving protection. Cause every harm to pass by our 



EVENING PR A VERS FOR THE FESTIVALS M 

threshold, as of old the abodes of our fathers were spared; 
accept our grateful service as the olden symbol on the door- 
post of Israel's fearless devotion. And as we obey the 
prescribed precept, to remove all leaven from our homes 
this week, give us the strength of purpose and courage to 
cast out of our midst all defilement and all evil inclination, 
to the end that we may become worthier recipients of 
revelation, more perfect exemplars and interpreters of what 
Thou wouldst have us be on earth. Amen. 

Then say the Evening Prayers ', /. 1 6 to 20. 

Psalm and Meditation for Pentecost. 
" I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart 
in the council of the upright and in the congregation. The 
works of the Lord are great, cherished by all that have 
pleasure therein. His work is honor and majesty, and His 
righteousness endureth forever. He hath made His wondrous 
works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of 
compassion. He giveth sustenance unto them that fear 
Him, ever mindful of His covenant. He hath shown His 
people the power of His works in giving them the heritage . 
of the nations. Truth and justice are the works of His 
hands, and all His well-devised precepts. They are estab- 
lished forever and ever, they are framed in truth and 
uprightness. Therewith He sent redemption to His people, 
commanding His eternal covenant: holy and awesome is 
His name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis- 
dom, good understanding have they who do thereafter: 
forever stands his praise." [Psalm cxi.) 

With solemn reverence do we approach Thee, Almighty 
God, on this anniversary of Thy crowning goodness unto 
our kind, when to Israel Thou didst give the revelation of 
Thy will. We thank Thee that Thou hast chosen us to be 
the first recipients of Thy truth, its interpreters unto all 
mankind. We thank Thee that this revelation was made in 



30 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

full presence of all Thy chosen people, that all classes and 
all ages might learn that the Torah is for them in common. 
Idolatry and superstition didst Thou ban. Thou didst 
declare Thine inalienable right to our human reverence, and 
didst solemnly warn him who should fail in duty. For our 
weekly rest, for the refreshment of our powers, didst Thou 
care, O merciful Father, to whom Thy children's bodily and 
mental well-being is precious. Love for parents, the 
foundation of the home-life and of social welfare didst 
Thou demand, freedom from every species of iniquity and 
sinfulness. Thus didst Thou teach Israel to be worthy of 
the eagle's wings on which Thou didst bear them unto Thee 
and bring them unto the mountain of Thy holiness. 

And upon us no less at this day does the sacred burden 
of the olden covenant repose, to be a nation wherein each 
one shall feel himself a responsible priest, a nation wherein 
each one shall be holy. Grant this high ideal shall never 
depart from us ; day and night may we meditate thereon to 
our betterment and elevation. Cause all men to see the 
wondrous power of Thy revelation, that by its fruits its 
value shall be proved, to the end that all sins shall cease 
from earth and evil-doers be no more. To us may Thy law 
be always instruction and consolation, that all the chances 
and circumstances of life may find therein their explanation 
and support. May contentment, cheerfulness and intelli- 
gent obedience to Thy will be ours, may peace and harmony 
exist around us as we thank Thee, Father and Teacher of 
mankind, for the revelation of Thy will. Amen. 
Then say the Evening Prayers, p. id to 20. 

Psalm and Meditation for Tabernacles. 

" Give ear, my people, unto my teaching; incline your 
ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a 
parable, I will utter dark sayings of old which we have 



EVENING PRA YERS FOR THE FESTIVALS 31 

heard and known and our fathers have told us. We will not 
hide them from their children, telling the generation to come 
the praises of the Lord and His strength, and the wondrous 
things which He hath done. For He established it as a 
testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, command- 
ing our fathers that they should make known to their 
children, that the generation to come might know them, 
even the children which should be born, that they might set 
their hope in God and not forget the deeds of the Lord, but 
keep His ordinances. 

" Marvellous things did He in the sight of their ancestors, 
in the land of Egypt, in the land of Zoan. He clave the 
sea and caused them to pass through; He made the waters 
to stand as a heap. In the daytime He led them with a 
cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. He clave rocks 
in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as 
from the depths. And yet they sinned against Him, rebelled 
against the Most High in the desert, by asking meat in their 
desire. Yea, they spake against God; they said, ' Can God 
prepare a table in the wilderness ? Behold, He smote the 
rock and the waters gushed out in overflowing streams; can 
He give bread also ? Will He provide meat for His people ? ' 
Therefore the Lord heard and was wroth; and a fire was 
kindled against Jacob, and anger rose against Israel, 
because they believed not in God and trusted not in His 
salvation. And yet He commanded the skies above and 
opened the doors of heaven, and He rained down manna 
upon them to eat and gave them of the corn of heaven. 
He led forth the east wind in the skies and by His power 
guided the south wind. He rained flesh upon them like 
dust, winged fowl as the sand of the sea He let fall on the 
midst of their camp, round about their habitations, so they 
did eat and were well filled, and He gave them that they had 
desired. And He, being full of compassion, forgiveth 



32 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

iniquity and destroyeth not; yea, many a time turneth He 
His anger away and stirreth not up all His wrath, remember- 
ing that men are but flesh, a wind that passeth away and 
cometh not agaln. ,, {Psalm Ixxviii.) 

Lord of heaven and earth, our God and the God of our 
fathers ! The festival we now celebrate recalls Thine ever- 
watchful protection and goodness to our wandering fore- 
fathers in olden days, when under Thy miraculous leader- 
ship they trod the pathless Arabian deserts to seek the home 
Thou hadst assigned for them. Yea, manifold and most 
gracious were Thy love and Thy wisdom in providing for 
them. Many times they showed not the gratitude their 
daily experience should have inspired, but always in mercy 
and in forgiveness Thou didst turn away Thine anger and 
pardon them. Unto us, the descendants of these poor 
wanderers, show somewhat of the same condescension, some- 
what of the same mercy. In all our walk of life shield us 
from harm and misfortune, or give us strength to rally our 
powers to endurance. Whatever shall be the course Thy 
wisdom hath marked out for each of us, we will gladly, 
proudly tread it, if we feel Thy hand within our grasp to 
lead and to encourage us. In danger and in straitness sum- 
mon to our minds the memory of Thine all-seeing, all- 
powerful succor unto our people, which at all times and in 
every age hath never failed or been lacking. And as we at 
this festal season surround ourselves with the trophies of 
the tree-world, mindful of Thy constant care, which doth 
provide sustenance and refreshment in most abundant store: 
now that harvests are gathered and all the rich yields of 
field and orchard are safely housed, Thy annual bounty fills 
our souls with devout affection, for we see the constant rep- 
etition of Thy protecting, fostering hand that openeth and 
giveth food to all living creatures. Accept, then, our 
humble praise as the best earnest we can give of our grati- 



EVENING PRA YERS FOR FESTIVALS 33 

tude, and aid us to make the proper return to Thee for Thy 
bounty to us in the shape of beneficence and well-doing 
unto our fellowmen. Teach us to look upon Thy gifts to us 
as in a measure trusts for those whose need is greater ; to 
feel that our rejoicing is only then acceptable and worthy in 
Thy sight when it is accompanied by the rejoicing of all 
around us, the poorest and the lowliest too. Spread over us 
thus the tabernacle of Thy peace, in the sweet conviction 
that we thus are faithful servitors of Thy will, in being gen- 
erous unto our fellows, even as Thou art generous unto us; 
kind and compassionate unto them as Thou hast been unto 
us in all time. And grant that this lesson of Israel's harvest- 
home shall extend through all the earth, that all men may 
acknowledge the truths of life, as Thou didst vouchsafe them 
unto Thy chosen people. Amen. 

Then say the Evening Prayers y p. 16 to 20. 



Psalm and Meditation for Chanuka and Purim. 

"I lift mine eyes unto the hills: O whence shall come 
my help ? My help is from the Lord, the maker of heaven 
and earth. He suffereth not thy foot to slip; thy keeper 
doth not slumber, behold, He slumbereth not nor sleepeth 
— the Keeper of Israel. The Lord shall be thy guardian* 
the Lord thy shade on thy right hand. By day the sun shall 
not smite thee nor the moon by night; the Lord will guard 
thee against all evil, He will guard thy life. The Lord 
shall guard thy going out and thy coming in from this time 
forth and for evermore. Amen. If not the Lord had been with 
us, so should Israel say: if not the Lord had been with us when 
men rose up against, then would they have swallowed us alive, 
when their wrath was kindled against us; then would the 
waters have overwhelmed us. the stream passed over our 
soul; yea, then would have passed over our soul the waves 



34 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

of presumption Blessed be the Lord, who gave us not a 
prey unto their teeth. Our soul escaped as a bird from the 
fowler's snare; the snare was broken and we were free. Our 
help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and 
earth.' ' {Psalms cxxi., cxxiv.) 

Most true and wonderful it is, Almighty God, that from 
us Thy mercies never have departed, that no strait so sore, 
no persecution so pitiless but that Thy releasing hand did 
intervene to our salvation and redemption. Whatever the 
plans that malice wrought, whatever the restraints and 
fetters that armed tyranny did set upon Israel, Thy might 
prevented, Thy power released, and signal judgment the 
oppressor felt, that all the earth might learn that Thou dost 
desire liberty and not bondage for man, and that the 
selected custodians of Thy revealed will shall not therefore 
be oppressed nor their fidelity made their blame and accu- 
sation. Grant, O God, that the olden spirit of our fathers 
shall long survive in their posterity; grant that even in the 
altered, lightened circumstances of to-day Israel yet shall 
universally attest devotion to Thy law, glory in Judah's 
name, and pride in the pious reverence of the generations 
aforetime. And though the representatives of prejudice, 
such as the Persian favorite showed, of heathenish brutality 
and idolatry, such as the Syrian monarch displayed, shall 
perhaps not yet entirely disappear from this fair earth, 
inspire us with patience and forbearance towards such vic- 
tims of benighted and uncivilized teachings, that the better 
truths of liberality and generosity shall pierce their way even 
unto them, and render all men humane and benevolent, the 
champions and the advocates each one of full justice and 
equal right for all. We praise Thee, Ruler of the Universe, 
that by examples of wondrous intervention and mighty cham- 
pioning Thou hast taught the world such lesson. Amen. 

Then say the Evening Prayers p. 16 to 20. 



EVENING ERA YERS FOR THE NINTH OF AB 35 

Selection and Meditation for the Ninth of Ab. 

" By the waters of Babel we sat down and wept; we 
wept when we remembered Zion. Upon the willows in 
her midst we hung up our harps, for there our captors 
demanded of us words of song; they that mocked us asked 
for joyousness — saying: ' Sing for us of Zion's songs.' How 
shall we sing the song of the Lord upon the stranger's 
soil ? If I forget thee thus, O Jerusalem; may my right 
hand forget — , and may my tongue cleave unto my 
palate if I do not remember thee, if 1 place not Jerusalem 
head of all my joy. O how hath the Lord clouded the 
daughter of Zion with his anger; He hath cast down from 
heaven unto earth the ornament of Israel; He hath not re- 
membered His footstool in the day of His wrath. The 
Lord hath destroyed and hath not pitied all the habitations 
of Jacob; He hath thrown down in His wrath the strong- 
holds of the daughters of Judah — thrown them down to the 
ground. — Psalm cxxxvii., Lamentations ii. 

Most sad indeed, Almighty God, are the associations 
of this dark day in Israel's annals, whereon repeatedly dire 
disaster befel our people. With independence overthrown 
by armed might; the beloved sanctuary denied by wicked 
and heathenish idolatry; the very name of Judah uprooted 
from its cherished home, heavy has been the chastening 
hand upon the nation. And the evils that then began, grew 
greater and more unbearable as time rolled on; the dark 
ages of the world were darkest indeed for Israel; and all 
the woe that unloving brothers could devise was wreaked 
upon the heads of our suffering people. But we would not 
complain of the centuried hardships we have endured; we 
can not impeach Thy wisdom and Thy justice in these the 
dispensations of ages now happily gone, since our eyes 
perceive that even in this dispersion our suffering has not 



36 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

been in vain, for we have been the instruments of Thy 
providence in procuring the spread of the knowledge of Thy 
name. We do humbly beseech Thee, O our Father, who 
desirest that chastisement shall teach, and never crush, that 
the memory of the causes of our affliction shall lead us to their 
avoidance in the future. Prosper in our hearts the assurance 
that we, who of old were brought so near to Thee, are yet 
in duty bound to strive to rise highest above men in virtue, 
exemplary life, and reverence for Thy ruling hand. Grant 
that we shall repay the olden hatred of mankind by examples 
of benignity and brotherly regard for all men by earnest de- 
sire to smooth life's way for them and to help them bear its 
trials. Rejoice our hearts by continued evidence that Thou 
art not wroth with us for ever, that Thou afflictest not wil- 
lingly nor grievest the sons of men. Delight our eyes with 
the sight of the new prosperity of the land that was once 
our own, lying now mourning and in ruins; foster all 
righteous endeavors to bless it with civilization's benefits 
and hold Thy protecting hand over them whom piety impels 
to seek a haven there to dwell and end their days. What- 
ever future Thou hast in store for beloved Palestine within 
our time, grant that the memory of its ancient sanctity, of 
the proud yet reverent devotion that from its chosen oracle 
ascended to Thee, shall inspire us to emulation and to 
obedience. Amen. 

Then say the Evening Prayers, p. 16 to 20 ; after which, selected 
passages from the books of " Lamentations " and "Job" 



NIGHT PRA YERS 3T 

NIGHT PRAYERS. 

(A) 

Another day has gone, and body and mind alike long 
for repose. But before I yield myself to slumber, the last 
words of my lips, the last meditations of my heart, shall be 
consecrate to Thee, Almighty God, and to Thine adora- 
tion. The day was begun with thoughts of Thee, with 
prayer unto Thy mercy will I end it. 

I thank Thee, Father, that Thou hast guarded me this 
day in all my walks and duties. What I have gained, or 
what achieved, is not due to my skill or my endeavor, but 
to Thy fostering love and bounty. And although many an 
object for which I may strive at times shall prove unattain- 
able, yet far be it from me ever to permit a spirit of discon- 
tent or disappointment to take possession of me. I can 
pacify my heart with the conviction that what I have 
failed to reach would not, to Thy wisdom, have seemed 
good and wholesome for me. 

And now that this day is over, the reflection comes to 
me: Have I had Thee and Thy commands present to my 
mind ? Have my conscience and Thy law been to-day my 
counsellors, or have I deviated from the path which Thou 
hast pointed out to us ? 

I beseech Thee, God, who searchest the inmost thoughts 
of man, to pardon me for all errors which, wittingly or un- 
wittingly, I have, in the course of this day, committed, so 
that now, as I resign my body to rest, to my mind shall 
come the precious peace of heart and conscience. 

Let strengthening and refreshing sleep now descend 
upon mine eyes and awaken me on a new day's dawning to 
health and cheerful work. Preserve me from all danger 
and harm. Be with me and with all my dear ones through 
the night. Let us nestle beneath the shelter of Thy loving 



38 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

protection, so that though the light of day has gone from 
us for the present, the light of Thy grace and guardianship 
still shall shine over us. And Thou dost not sleep nor dost 
Thou slumber, Thou guardian of Israel; for Thy salvation 
do I wait, O Lord, Amen. 

Then say the Shemang^ etc , p. 39. 
(B) 

In Sorrow or Perplexity. 

All-merciful Father, my heart is sad and my spirit is 
dejected. At this silent hour of the night, darker yet appear 
to me the trials of life, the sorrow and the perplexity which 
do hedge me round. My eager enjoyment has become 
embittered by my trouble, the dread burden of the present 
anxiety and the future's uncertainty appal me. Soothe my 
soul, Thou almighty God, assuage my suffering, and send 
me light and gladness, for as Thy power, so is Thy mercy, 
and Thou canst not desire my suffering. Nay, when I 
think of the manifold mercies with which every period of 
my life has been full; when I think of the many times I 
have awakened with happy consciousness to the numerous 
evidences of Thy fatherly love for undeserving me, I feel 
I ought with Thy servant David, repeat: " Why art thou cast 
down my soul, and why dejected ? Hope thou in God, for 
yet will I thank Him, my ever-present help, my God." 

So will I strive to banish my fears by thoughts of Thee, 
and subdue my anxiety with the solace of Thy goodness. 
I will bend to Thee and worship Thee, not only in obedience 
to Thine expressed commands, but in all the dispensations 
of Thy will unto me, confident always that Thy fatherly 
care will maintain me even in hardship, even in distress; and 
whether weal or woe shall come, Thy hand will not be lack- 
ing me in strength, in support, in protection. Grant peace 



NIGHT PRAYERS 39 

unto my soul thus, slumber and repose to my sore- tried 
spirit, and give that I may awaken unto new life and new 
courage, new strength and new endeavor. Amen. 

" Hear, O Israel, the Eternal our God is the Eternal One/' 

" Blessed be the name of His Kingdom's glory for ever and ever. " 

u And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might. And 
these words which I command thee this day shall be on thy 
heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy 
children, and shalt speak of them when thou sittest in thy 
house and when thou walk est by the way, when thou liest 
down and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them 
for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be as frontlets 
between thine eyes, and thou shalt write them upon the 
doorposts of thy house and upon thy gates.' ' 

'• I lay me down and fall asleep; I shall awake, for the 
Lord preserves me. Into thy hand I commit my spirit ; 
Thou wilt ransom me, O God of truth." 

Then say A don Olam, p. 20. 



40 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

Introduction to the Haggadah Service for 
Passover. 

" Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make 
known His doings among the peoples. Sing unto Him, sing 
praises unto Him, meditate upon His marvellous works. 
Glory ye in His holy name; the heart of them rejoiceth who 
seek the Lord. O ye seed of Abraham, His servant, ye 
children of Jacob, His chosen ones; He is the Lord our God, 
and His judgments are over all the earth. When Israel to 
Egypt came, and Jacob sojourned in the land of Cham, He 
increased His people greatly, and made them stronger than 
their adversaries, whose heart was changed to hate His 
people — to deal subtilely with His servants. Then sent lie 
Moses, His servant, and Aaron, whom He had chosen, and 
they set among them His signs and portents in the land of 
Egypt. Hail He gave them for rain, and flames of fire upon 
their land; He spake, there came the locust, and the can- 
ker-worm, and that without number. He smote also the 
first-born of their land, the chief of all their strength. 
Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them 
had fallen upon them; and He brought forth His people 
with rejoicing, His chosen ones with singing, giving them 
lands of nations, that they might keep His statutes and 
observe His laws. Hallelujah." {Psalm cv.) 

With thanks to Almighty God that He has preserved us 
to this season once more, my dear ones, let us proceed to 
the celebration of the olden Haggadah service, wherewith 
Israel from aforetime has marked the first hours of this 
Festival of Redemption. In our holy law we read: '• Seven 
days shalt thou eat unleavened bread; and there shall no 
leavened bread be seen with thee in all thy borders; and 
thou shalt tell thy son in that day, saying, 'This is because 
of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt/ 
And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thy hand and for 



INTRODUCTION TO THE HAGGADAII SERVICE 41 

a memorial between thine eyes, that the law of the Lord 
may be in thy mouth; that with a strong hand hath the Lord 
brought thee out of Egypt. Thou shalt therefore keep this 
ordinance in its season from year to year." And these three 
olden symbols of the Haggadah have never lost their sig- 
nificance — the lamb, the unleavened bread and the bitter 
herbs. Just as of old, the •blood of the animal which 
Egyptian idolatry revered, was sprinkled by the obedient 
Israelites, at God's command, upon the doorposts of their 
homes, where all might see it, so in our day too must Israel's 
most vigorous protest be made against all superstition 
and debasing idea of God. With unleavened bread and 
bitter herbs did our ancestors eat the lamb of sacrifice, as if 
to show that although at times we have been forced to live 
upon u affliction's bread" and oppression's bitterness, it was 
never long before the Most Holy One, blessed be He, 
effectively intervened in behalf of justice and mercy, for 
human rights and proper reverence. And since to this 
redemption from Egypt, you and I, and all of us, owe the 
honorable distinction we enjoy of being of the posterity of 
those to whom, when thus liberated, He was pleased to 
confide that precious privilege of His revealed will, it is 
becoming that personal gratitude as well should mingle with 
our prayers to-night, and that with all our service we should 
recognize that each one of us partakes of that signal mercy, 
which, out of love for Abraham, the first to recognize God 
in His purity and spirituality, the. Almighty vouchsafed unto 
our enslaved forefathers in Pharaoh's land. With humility, 
then, and not with vanity; \vith thankfulness and feeling 
devotion, let us address our prayers to Him, that He 
may, in His benevolence, find us not altogether unworthy 
sons of those sires; that from our children's hearts 
shall never fade the recollection of all that the Lord did 
for us when He led us forth from bondage unto freedom, 



42 THE JE WISH HOME ERA YER-BOOK 

from darkness unto light, from sorrow unto happiness. 
Amen. 

After the usual Service the following may be read or sung: 

" Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up, 
Israel may say; many a time have they afflicted me from my 
youth up, yet they have not prevailed against me. The 
plowers plowed upon my back, they made long their furrows; 
the Lord is righteous; He hath cut the cords of the wicked 
asunder." 

"They that trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which 
cannot be moved, but abideth for ever. As the mountains 
are round about Jerusalem, so is the Lord round about His 
people from this time forth and for ever." 

Let children hear the mighty deeds 
Which God performed of old, 

Which in our younger years we saw, 
And which our fathers told 

He bade us make His glories known 
His work of power and grace; 

That we convey his wonders down 
Through every rising race. 

Our lips shall tell them to our sons, 

And they again to theirs, 
That generations yet unborn 

May teach them to their heirs. 

Thus shall they learn, in God alone, 

Their hope securely stands: 
That they may ne'er forget His works, 

And practise His commands. 

— [Psalm I xxv h'i.) 



INTRODUCTION TO THE HAGGADAH SERVICE 43 

'Twas like a dream when, by the Lord, 

From bondage Zion was restored, 
Our mouths were filled with mirth, our tongues 

Were ever singing joyful songs. 

The nations owned that God had wrought 

Great works, which joy to us have brought. 

As southern streams when filled with rain 
He turned our captive state again. 

Who sow in tears, with joy shall reap 

Though bearing precious seed they weep 

W T hile going forth, yet they shall sing 

When coming back their sheaves they bring. 

Psalm cxxvi. 



To Thee, above all creatures' gaze, 
To Thee, whom earth and heaven praise, 
Whose ever-watchful providence 
Proves daily Thine omnipotence — 
To Thee our thanks in chorus rise. 

Thou didst redeem the captive band, 

Who were enslaved by tyrant's hand ; 

Their cries were heard, their groans were stilled, 

Their yearning hopes at last fulfilled, 

And freedom dawned en Israel, 

O God, Thy children recognize 
With grateful hearts this precious prize ; 
Thy people at each holy shrine 
Proclaim aloud Thy power divine — 
The Lord doth reign for evermore. 



44 THE JE WISH HOME ERA YER-BOOK 

SPECIAL PRAYERS. 



i. A Daily Prayer for the Father of a Family. 

Almighty Father, Thou who dost sustain all flesh, and 
through whose love innumerable creatures live and thrive, 
let me and those dependent upon me find always that which 
we need. It is not wealth I ask, O heavenly Father, but 
sufficiency, and that which will be to my advantage. Crown 
my efforts with Thy blessing; as in days of old Thou didst 
give sustenance unto Israel in the desert, allotting unto each 
one exactly what he needed, so do Thou grant that I shall 
always find my measure full, whenever I go forth in the 
fields of life to gather of Thy gifts. Thus guard me, merci- 
ful Lord, from want and privation, but guard me too from 
the temptation to employ unworthy means to my support, 
and rule my thoughts and actions that I may never swerve 
from the path of justice and righteousness. Enlighten my 
mind that it may be quick to discern Thy constant good- 
ness around me; preserve me from the folly of ignorant 
and self sufficient pride. A contented heart give Thou 
unto me, that I may enjoy Thy manifold gifts with peace 
and happiness. 

Let me have too, my Father, the means of aiding the 
destitute and the needy, according to the promptings of my 
heart and according to their necessity ; permit me the 
happiness of making my threshold a haven for the truly 
unfortunate, where those who are in sore necessity shall find 
relief. 

Preserve in health all the members of our happy house- 
hold; keep all anxiety far distant from us. Grant thattrue 
devoutness may always abide with us. (For my dear 
children, those beloved pledges of Thy bounty entrusted 
unto my safe-keeping, especially do I plead; my God, hear 



SPECIAL PRA YERS 45 

my prayer that they shall grow to be noble men and women, 
pious Israelites each one of them. Let success atte: d 
their undertakings, and amid life's manifold dangers guard 
them and preserve them from evil mishap and from evil 
example, that they may live in purity and uprightness before 
Thee, a glory unto Thy name, unto my heart a joy for all 
time.) Upon the head of my beloved wife, partner of my 
joys and sorrows, my treasured helpmeet, my trusty coun- 
sellor and faithful friend, Thy choicest blessings I implore; 
grant unto her always her unselfish hopes, her self-denying 
longings, for the happiness and welfare of all those near and 
dear unto her. Amen. 

2. A Mother's Daily Prayer. 

My God, to Thee my heart is uplifted, as I commend unto 
Thy protecting care those dearest on earth to me. Guard 
well my husband and my children, all the members of my 
family, and all the inmates of our home. Preserve them 
from sorrow and misfortune; hold suffering and ailment far 
from us, that we may fear neither the dangers of the day 
nor the terrors of the night. 

May Thy providence hold watch and ward over 
us in the performance of our daily duties. Give 
me Thine aid in controlling vain promptings within me 
so that I may rule my life with virtue and uprightness before 
Thee. Preserve me from idleness and foolish yearning for 
worldly pleasure; teach me that in my home I shall find my 
purest joys, my most pleasurable emotions in acts of womanly 
devotion, self-forgetfulness and simplicity. Bless me and 
those I love with health and cheerfulness: shield us all from 
temptation and sin. Let us find favor and regard in Thine 
eyes and in the eyes of all good men. Sustain and 
strengthen my husband in his daily labors; give him courage 
and endurance. Preserve for ever the tranquility of our 



46 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

happy home and the peace that dwells in our hearts. For 
this I beseech Thee, for this have I set my heart before 
Thee, Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. 

3. A Student's Daily Prayer. 

Almighty Father and source of all wisdom! grant me 
this day perception and wise insight, that the difficulties of 
my studies may disappear before my earnest efforts to 
master them. Train me to perseverance with my tasks, and 
patience if at times they seem to elude my powers. 
Strengthen my memory, that naught that has been labori- 
ously attained shall glide from my possession and be lost 
to me. In all things teach me to see Thy majesty, working 
so silently, and yet so grandly, in all spheres and in all 
times; and as my knowledge grows from day to day, 
grant that its most prized result shall ever be the greater 
insight gained into Thy wise and wondrous ways. May the 
example of the illustrious men and women of the world be 
not lost upon me, but serve as additional incentives to the 
emulation of all that has gained for them posterity's recol- 
lection and approval. And even from the dark and devious 
paths that men at times have trodden, let the light of warn- 
ing shine forth to admonish and preserve us. And thus, 
although my studies of the past shall present to me many a 
pain-ridden page of history for Israel, grant that the memory 
of the unrighteousness and blindness which worked such 
woe upon my race, shall awaken none but feelings of pity 
for the sufferers, and regretful sorrow for those who made 
them suffer. May the glorious revelations of Thy power 
and wisdom which science affords, evoke the purest adora- 
tion, the most reverent and grateful recognition of Thy 
master-hand in the lowest as in the highest forms of life, in 
the commonest, as well as in the most appalling, manifesta- 
tions of Thy dominion. Teach me to be thankful to them 



SPECIAL PRA YERS 47 

whose earnest wish it is to impart of their acquired know- 
ledge unto me; grant that I always may be found modest 
and responsive to their exertions in my behalf. Grant me 
the wisdom to use my health wisely, and never to o'erstrain 
its resources or transcend proper demands upon it. Foster 
and preserve in me the qualities that shall endear me to my 
comrades and teachers, give me the wise perception to 
moderate and remove those which might prevent my aim. 
In whatever way Thy wisdom can find to bless my faculties 
and my exertions, in Thy bountiful mercy to all who seek 
Thee in truth, grant me grace and protection, strengthening 
and success. Amen. 

4. Daily Prayer of a Betrothed Bride. 

Merciful Ruler, in whose hand lie the destinies of every 
mortal! All the days of my life I have looked up to Thee 
lovingly, trustingly, but now more than ever do I feel the 
necessity of hiding myself in Thy protecting care* [ am 
standing at the threshold of a new life, new emotions and 
new desires fill my heart, unknown aims and duties open up 
before me. I am betrothed to a man to whom I have 
promised to be a loving companion in joy and in sorrow, 
a devoted, an untiring helpmeet, to help him build up the 
structure of his house and fortune. Do Thou, O my God, 
cement this union of our hearts; bless us with harmony of 
feelings, of inclinations and of views — the guarantee of 
mutual respect and undisturbed peace. Let the life- 
dispensing sun of love arise upon the horizon of our united 
lives, lighting and warming with its beams every position 
and worldly station we may come to occupy; irradiating 
gloriously the eminences of fortune, and beaming serenely 
even into the abysses of despair and trouble; a light which 
shall grow brighter, a love which shall grow stronger, 
the further it advances across the heaven of our lives, 



48 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER BOOK 

developing and maturing all flowers of happiness and 
peace. 

Enlighten my mind, kind Father, that I may prepare 
myself properly for the tasks and duties that await me, that 
I may diligently study all that will tend to make me a prudent, 
wise, cautious and practical housewife. Give me of the 
spirit of my Jewish ancestresses, that shall sweeten my home 
with ancient piety and fervor. Grant me to acquire 
whatever virtue and accomplishment will enable me to 
attract and hold my husband's heart; that I may withdraw 
my thoughts from worldly vanities, from the trivial and 
empty pursuits which too frequently satisfy girlish ambition. 
Gladly will I banish the impatience and impetuosity of 
youth* I will strive to imbue myself with the spirit of 
gentleness, tolerance and forgiveness, and will bend all my 
thoughts and energies to the maintenance of a peaceful 
domestic life. To Thy care do I commend myself; I set 
my hope for success only in Thy favor and Thy aid; may 
Thy grace protect and strengthen me always. Amen. 

5. A Newly-Married Wife's Daily Prayer. 

All-merciful Father, before I set about the tasks of the 
day, I turn my thoughts to Thee, that in sweet communion 
with my Maker, I may find strength and inspiration for the 
exalted and difficult vocation of a woman in her domestic 
circle. Great and holy is the calling of a wife, to conse- 
crate and beautify her surroundings by means of the 
abundant love wherewith Thou dost fill her soul. Grateful 
indeed am I to Thee for the boon of this my home, where I 
may act as my heart dictates, and by deeds of devotion and 
love shape the happy course of all who surround me. My 
heart, which is so impressed with the loftiness of my womanly 
mission, knows no more earnest and ardent wish, than the 
desire never to be found lacking in the strength and energy, 



SPECIAL PRA YERS 49 

worthily and faithfully to fulfil the requirements of my 
avocation, according to Thy commands and according to 
Thy will — to be, in short, the priestess in the sanctuary of 
my home. 

But at the same time, a feeling as of anxiety creeps 
over me, lest I be found too weak to perform my duties; 
for the wife's calling is as difficult as it is beautiful and 
holy. Religion and duty make demands upon me that are 
not trivial. I must assist my dear husband as far as lies in 
my power, to attain his life's aims; I must share his burdens 
and his work. Beyond all else, my care must be bestowed 
upon the endeavor to make this home which Thou hast 
entrusted to my guidance, a temple of peace, wherein 
all the flames of passion and strife shall be extinguished 
wherein all wounded feelings shall speedily be solaced, 
and at all times gentleness and kindness shall reign 
supreme. 

And shall I be able to achieve all this ? Shall I be 
strong enough to meet all these requirements ? Shall I 
worthily, and with skill, fulfil all these my sacred obliga- 
tions ? Surely only by trust in Thee, only in the hope of 
Thy help. O Lord, let the fountain of love in my heart 
run never dry; let it flow strongly always within me and 
within the hearts of those I love. For to love, all tasks 
seem easy; by love, labor is made the pleasant pastime of the 
hour. When anger seizes me, even though it be just, let 
me vanquish and put it to flight at once; when cares oppress 
me, give me the strength to bear them, or let me dismiss 
them from my mind by resigning myself unto Thee. Ward 
off misfortune from my dear ones, let me find my best 
happiness in their welfare. Grant me success in my 
endeavor to make my home a spot consecrated to love, to 
purity and to peace. Amen. 



50 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

6. A Widow's Daily Prayer. 

From the depths of my heart do I call upon Thee, my 
God and Father. Let me find strength in prayer to Thee. 
It has pleased Thee, in Thy profound wisdom, to take from 
me my husband (the father of my children). Whither, O 
God, shall I turn for consolation, if not to Thee, who art 
the defense of the widow and the orphan ? Alone and for- 
saken as I am, where else shall I take refuge but in Thee ? 
Yea, only in Thee, who art the shield of the oppressed, the 
stay of the drooping, the refuge for them that are lost. I 
stand before Thee with a torn and bleeding heart, for the 
past was bitter and the future is dark and gloomy before me. 
But with my hope in Thee do I console myself. Thou wilt 
illumine my night, Thou wilt heal my wounded heart, and 
cheer my stricken spirit. Have mercy upon me (and on my 
bereaved children). Let me not fall into dependence, but 
support and sustain me from Thy hand, which is open unto 
all. (Aid me in my feeble efforts to the education of my 
children, that I may guide them safely through the mazes of 
life, on the path of virtue and eternal salvation. Be Thou 
their shield and their rock of reliance, for man has no truer 
friend, none wiser, none mightier, none more loving, than 
Thee, Father of the orphaned). In every hour, in every 
phase of need and necessity, be Thou my strength, be Thou 
my guide. To Thee do I look in confidence, do Thou 
not forsake me, do Thou not cast me off; help me for the 
sake of Thy holy name. Amen. 

7. An Orphan's Daily Prayer. 

My God, my Father, in Thy grace and goodness turn to 
me, who am alone and forsaken. The beloved guide 
(guides) of my youth has (have) passed away from me; do 
Thou not desert me or cast me off . Who else will help me ? 



SPECIAL PRA YERS 51; 

To whom shall I flee for help and counsel, for love and for 
protection, if not to Thee? Assist me from Thine abundant 
stores of love and power; make easier for me the difficult 
path in life which lies before me. Instruct me that I may- 
recognize Thy holy will and bow before Thy law. For all 
Thy creatures dost Thou prepare sustenance— aye, "to the 
young ravens when they cry." Bestow also upon me food 
and shelter and raiment, grant that I may never lack the 
necessities of life. Bless me so that I need not call upon 
the sympathies, or become a burden upon the charity, of 
men. O God, in Thee alone I put my hope, [and I pray 
that the beloved (father) (mother) Thou hast left unto us 
shall be so strengthened and so blessed by Thy compassion 
that (he) (she) shall look back even upon this dispensation 
and confess, that what Thou doest is well done]. Amen. 

8. Daily Prayer During the Week of Mourning. 

Lord God, who hearest the prayer of all ! Thou dost 
behold him who weepeth in the seclusion of his chamber, 
dost endow him with strength, and grant him help and 
solace in his grief and distress. Look also upon me, 
Heavenly Father, who am stricken with grief, have pity 
upon my broken spirit and heal it, for Thou art near to all 
who bear trouble in their hearts. In Thine infinite wisdom 
Thou hast torn from my side my beloved father (husband, 
brother, son, friend) (mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend). 
It is Thou who givest life and death, humbly do I bow 
before Thy will. *Thou givest and Thou takest ; Thou 
slayest, but dost also recall to life; this shall be my consola- 
tion. According to the decrees of Thy law, and in the man- 
ner of the pious of our people, I give praise unto Thy name 
and exalt Thy Providence in the hour of gloom as in the 
day of joy, in misfortune and in happiness, all the days of 
my life. O Lord, take the soul of the departed under Thy 



52 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER BOOK 

protecting pinions, let it dwell near to Thee in the enjoy- 
ment of eternal felicity, and may it be Thy will that at the 
proper time, my soul shall rejoin the beloved one in the 
realms beyond. Amen. 

9. Prayer on the Anniversary of a Parent's Death. 

Thoughts of Thee, beloved father (mother), daily occupy 
my heart, but this day, the anniversary of thy departure 
from this life, is especially devoted to thy memory, and I 
am filled with deep emotion and with sorrow after thee. This 
day leads me back to the time when thou didst still dwell 
among us, when thy love guarded me with tenderness and 
care, and I could take refuge on thy heart, to find there 
solace for misfortune and sympathy with my joys. Methinks 
I see thee before me, and thy love-beaming countenance; 
and the sweet tones of thy voice still vibrate in my soul as 
though they had but just died away upon the air. 

God has called thee hence, and of thy beloved being 
nothing has remained with me but the precious memory and 
the pious teachings thou didst impart to me in thy life-time. 
With filial piety will I cherish them in my heart and cling 
to them; I will treasure them as thy priceless legacy and 
guard them sacredly. So shall devotion to thy memory and 
a righteous way of life in thine honor, be the links that bind 
me to thee yet, and every good act which thou shalt see thy 
child perform, shall be a pledge of my endeavor to please 
thee and to honor thee even in the life beyond. 

And thou, O all-merciful Father, accept with favor these 
expressions of filial love that mourns a beloved parent, and 
hearken to my petition. Receive with favor the soul of my 
beloved father (mother), grant it to dwell near to Thy 
radiant throne and to share the felicity of the life that is 
hereafter. And unto me, my God, give aid, counsel, and 
protection. Imbue my heart with hope divine, and teach 



SPECIAL PR A YERS 53 

me to walk through all my days in the footsteps of the God- 
fearing and the virtuous that I may ever be worthy of Thy 
favor and of the love of those departed ones who dwell near 
Thee. Amen. 

10. A Bridegroom's Prayer upon his Wedding-Day. 
Almighty God, to Thee alone the future stands revealed. 
Thou alone canst see the path unto its end, on which this 
day I set my foot, now that I am about to unite myself to 
my beloved bride, and be to her husband and intimate 
friend. This I do, my God, in full reliance upon Thy help 
to speed my endeavors to be unto her a good husband, a 
loving protector and a faithful spouse. Aid me with Thy 
strength to make her life a happy one, to save her from care 
and sorrow when it shall be possible, that together we may 
travel the path of life, in happiness and rejoicing, in mutual 
aid and counsel, mutual reliance and mutual trust. Grant 
me the wise perception to see how I best can show my devo- 
tion ; to be patient with her weakness in hours of trouble or 
suffering, to be thankful for her strength and courageous 
endurance, when I am bowed with sorrow or distress. Grant 
that she shall never miss the love she has enjoyed from those 
of her own home, in the full abundance of my exertions to 
her happiness and welfare. With her counsel and inspira- 
tion, bless my efforts to win subsistence for us both. Cause 
Thy blessings of peace, love and harmony to rest upon our 
dwelling, so that when the time shall come that we can look 
back from the distance of long years unto this day, we still 
shall bless its recollections, and in our mutual affection shall 
own, that its fondest, brightest anticipations, have by Thy 
grace, been amply realized unto us, Amen. 

ii. Prayer of a Bride on her Wedding-Day. 
Almighty Father, full of trust I lay my future lot in Thy 



54 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

hand. Veiled with uncertainty it lies before me, but con- 
fiding in Thine endless goodness and at the side of the 
beloved one whom Thy providence has allotted unto me, I 
enter with cheerfulness upon the new state, upon the new 
life, that is before us, confident that Thine assistance will not 
be lacking. My God, bless the union which we are about 
to consummate in Thy name, and pour of the fulness of Thy 
divine grace upon the hour in which we join hearts and 
hands forever. I will strive to be a dutiful and loving wife, 
to emulate the examples of virtue among the noblest of our 
race, that I may earn the world's respect and Thy benevolent 
aid and countenance. Pardon now, I entreat Thee, the 
follies of my youthful years gone by, and the faults I have 
been guilty of against my beloved parents, elders, relations 
and friends. Consecrate my heart wholly unto Thy service, 
and let me walk before Thee robed in purity. My home 
and heart to Thee I devote, to Thee and all that is good 
and noble; aid me to shun the vanities and follies of life. 
Guard our new home from every shape and form of disaster 
and misfortune; let many happy years be spent there, of 
love and peace and harmony, free from envy of the lot of 
others, and free from the bane of others' envy. Bless and 
prosper unto us our handiwork, that on us the words may be 
realized: "May the Lord give thee all Thy heart desires, 
and all thy wishes be fulfilled, " Amen. 

12. Parents' Prayer on their Child's Wedding-Day. 

(A.) 

My God, the joy which fills my heart this day is very 
great. Not alone hast Thou extended Thy protecting hand 
over me and mine up to this day, but Thou hast now per- 
mitted me to taste that supreme delight of seeing (my 
beloved son wedded to the wife of his choice) (my beloved 
daughter wedded to the husband of her heart). Thou who 



SPECIAL PRA YERS 55 

lovest all Thy creatures as a Father, Thou knowest well the 
gratitude and joy of my heart ; for my tongue fails me to 
shape the words that best will tell them. I am happy when 
I remember how manifold, and at times how serious, were 
the dangers that menaced my child's life from infancy until 
now, and the cares and troubles I too have had to undergo 
and that over all of them Thy hand did help us, and pre- 
serve us from injury and from sorrow. Grant me yet fuller 
favor, if I now supplicate Thy blessings upon these my 
children. Give the newly married couple all that is for 
their advantage and their happiness. Grant them health 
uninterrupted, peace and happiness together. Let them 
never lose their faith in Thee, but know that they may ever 
turn unto Thy grace for help in time of need. Bless and 
prosper all their undertakings. Be praised, O Lord, our 
God and Universal King, who dost rejoice the heart of bride 
and bridegroom. Amen. 

(B.) 

What strange commingling of happiness and grief, of 
sorrow and rejoicing, my God and Father, do I realize upon 
this day, when my beloved child shall reach his (her) hand 
to her (him), by whose side life's path must now be trod 
together. My heart is full of gratitude for Thy manifold 
mercies that have enabled my dear partner and myself to 
rear him (her) and bring him (her) to this joyous occasion, 
while so many, alas ! have fallen by the wayside of life, with 
untimely years. I thank Thee that Thou hast spared me to 
witness this glad festivity and to participate in the holy joy 
my child experiences this day. 

But then I know, Almighty God, that the path in front 
of them is not always as joyous, as this, its initial step ; I 
know that this happiness does not always endure for long 
years, and that many a time deep sorrow has ensued upon 



56 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

this ceremony. Keep my beloved children from such 
terrible fate, my God ; hearken unto my inmost prayer, 
that only happiness shall follow this day's inauguration. 
Trials, of course, will come: dark hours, times of probation, 
unfailingly will appear ; but with Thine assisting hand, all 
these shall be surmounted, and their passage leave them 
wiser, happier, more experienced and mutually reliant. 

My Father, strengthen all their good impulses, their 
loving promptings, strengthen all that can make the new 
life that is before them sweet and holy. Beyond all, foster 
in them the sense of their dependence and reliance upon 
Thee, that piety and reverence shall mark their home, and 
all the sacred sentiments that from aforetime did mark the 
Hebrew's abiding-place. Let the offices of religion be 
steadfastly administered, let the voice of prayer to Thee 
regularly ascend, that as from Thine olden altar in the 
Temple, the incense of their heart's devotion shall find 
acceptance and blessing in Thy sight. Grant them mutual 
forbearance, willingness and love of mutual sacrifice : may 
the impulses to peace and patience always be the strongest 
in each of them, that their household be a sanctuary of har- 
mony, a dwelling-place for serenity and piety. Amen. 

13. A Mother's Prayer During Her Son's Initiation. 

Gratitude and praise unto Thee, all-merciful Father, who 
hast looked upon me with favor, and blessed me with a son 
who now shall be initiated into the holy communion of our 
faith. With gladsome heart I consecrate him unto Thee, 
and with sentiments of thankfulness I yield him up unto the 
covenant of Abraham. Strengthen him, Almighty, in body 
and mind ; let him grow in faith and in piety, so that will- 
ingly he may forego material pleasures and earthly comforts, 
if need shall be, for exalted and divine purposes. May he 
be ready to sacrifice his dearest wishes for the sake of exe- 



SPECIAL PRA YERS 57 

curing Thy will and Thy commands. As this day his entry 
is sealed upon the altar of religion, may he in the coming 
years retain his allegiance to the olden covenant which makes 
him a servitor of Thy law, and an exponent of those undy- 
ing principles of devotion to Thee and of love to all men, 
which are the traditions of Israel's people. Bless my son 
and preserve him to me; cause Thy countenance to shine 
upon him and be gracious unto him; lift up Thy counten- 
ance upon him, and grant him peace, and life and happi- 
ness. Amen. 

14. Prayer on a Journey. 

O Lord, my God, to Thee do I commend myself. 
Wherever I may be, whithersoever I may go, I am always 
under Thy protecting hand and care; so whether I stay in 
the happy circle of my home, or whether I journey abroad 
and among strangers whom I know not, I fear not nor do I 
care, for in Thee my trust is placed. 

Kind Creator, Thou dost protect and guard the humblest 
creatures ; even the bird in its migrations over unknown 
lands and seas is watched and guided by Thy fatherly care. 
Then take me as well, who with uplifted heart am seeking 
Thee, unto Thy paternal protection and guardianship. In 
Thy bounteous love smooth all paths before me, and guide 
me happily unto my journey's end. Aid me with Thy strong 
arm and with Thy prospering blessing, in the fulfilment and 
realization of my plans and projects. 

But not for myself alone doth this my petition ascend, 
but imploring Thy divine guardianship as well over my home 
and the dear ones I have left there. Watch and guard them 
in Thy grace; preserve them from evil and from all fear of 
it; keep anxiety and trouble far from their hearts, and bring 
me back to them in health and happiness. Amen. 



58 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER BOOK 

15. Prayer during a Voyage. 

Almighty Creator of the Universe ! Lost in amazement, 
my eyes wander over this boundless waste of waters which 
stretches before me. Beneath these billows, in the fearful 
depths of ocean, there is a whole world of marvels, of 
models of Thy wisdom and power, and all the denizens of 
regions yet unexplored, call Thee, O God, their Lord, their 
Master* Together they sing of Thy glory and Thy praise 
unto the firmament with its studded vaults of worlds upon 
worlds, and these shine back again into the deep, a ceaseless 
round of adoration and of praise. My God, how small am 
I, how insignificant, in all this grandeur of Creation ! 
Humbly I ask myself, " What am I in all this boundless 
universe, amid all these countless hosts of worlds and living 
beings ? What is man, O God, that Thou shouldst remem- 
ber him, the son of man, that Thou shouldst think of 
him r 

u And yet Thou hast raised him above all other things; 
Thou hast crowned him with glory and with honor, in that 
Thou hast given him dominion over the works of Thy hand, 
everything hast Thou placed at his feet; flocks and herds 
altogether, the beasts of the field and the birds of heaven, 
the fishes of the sea and whatsoever passeth through the 
paths of the sea." 

Yea, Thou hast installed him as the lord of Thy crea- 
tion. Even the mighty sea and its vast, mysterious inhabit- 
ants, Thou hast subjected to his commands, so that he 
maketh a path through the mighty waters, along which he 
and his possessions are safely borne. 

But it is wholly to Thy grace and Thy beneficence that 
man owes his eminence. Thy hand supports and stays him, 
whether it be through the mountains he journeys, or over 
the waves and billows. Thy spirit enlightens him, Thy 



SPECIAL PRAYERS 59 

power strengthens him ; believing in Thee he finds wisdom 
and vigor to conquer peril and danger. But he knows that 
with a nod from Thee, earth trembles and totters, and with 
it man, the son of earth. Thy mountains rise, the abysses 
yawn before him, and forthwith he and his dominion vanish 
away. 

O may Thy grace never desert me, but give me Thy aid 
during this perilous journey. Surround this vessel which 
bears me and my companions, with Thine almighty protec- 
tion, as Thou didst bear the Ark upon the face of mighty 
waters. Let it glide safely over a peaceful sea, speed it on 
the wings of favoring winds and weather unto the haven of 
our desire Amen. 

1 6. Prayer after a Voyage. 

Praise and glory unto Thee, my God ! Once more I 
stand upon firm ground, once more the beauteous land 
lies around me in all its calm and happy glory. From the 
depths of my heart T thank Thee, God, for Thy tender pro- 
tection among the perils of the deep, where but a frail plank, 
or a slender bolt, intervened between me and death. Thou 
art the Lord and Creator of all, " Thy spirit broodeth over 
the face of the deep," Thy grace surrounded us. Over 
shoals and tides, through waves and currents, Thou hast led 
me unscathed. Thou didst imprison the storm, whose un- 
fettered rage upwhirls the ocean's depths, while man, with 
all his boasted skill, stands a feeble, terror-stricken witness 
of the power he cannot cope with. So mayest Thou, in 
Thine excellent mercy, protect and rescue me from the waves 
of misfortune. Shield me from the attacks of malice and 
from the currents of persecution when they surge around 
me; also from the storms of passion when they rise and 
rage within me. Manifold indeed are the pitfalls of life 
around us; in our own htarts, temptations to sin and trans- 



60 I v WOK 

gre8Sion hide and lurk, But with Thy help, God, wo 
can vanquish every temptation, resist .ill allurements. Thine 
are the power and the strength, to Thee are due honor and 
adoration and glory for evermore. Amen. 

i Puavk.k nuRiNi; \ Storm \r Sea 

God, my Rock and my Refuge! Terrors convulse me 
and fear hath taken possession of me. Loud rises the roar 
d1 ocean, its wild waters surge high, as the cruel, shrieking 
wind lashes them to fury, and these frail and trembling 
planks and timbers strain and groan as they are tossed from 
wave to wave. Hut he not cast down, my soul, nor be dis 
quieted, for In the midst of these perils, I feel 1 am not 
abandoned; God, the Almighty ruler ol all things, Is with 
me in my heart, i H^h ovei the thundering waves I lis spirit 
hovers; through the billows 1 wild rushing. His voice whispers 
to me, In comfort and support M rhe voice of the Lord Is 
upon the waters, the God of glory thundereth, the I ord Is 
over the many waters/ 1 Almighty Savior, who uttereth 
commands to the angry floods, and with a word restrainest 
the terrors ol the storm. Thee do I entreat, Thee do I call 
Upon, To rhee my prayer ascends from my orief stricken 
heart Aid us. Father, and give us not over to the destruc- 
tion which threatens, Extend rhy protecting hand over us 
and lead us graciously through the raging waters unto the 

haven we are seeking, and I will thank Phee, Clod, all the 
days of my life, and feel that l have been especially called to 
walk In the paths of piety and godliness, virtue and love, i 

beseech rhee, hearken unto my prayer, our Father and our 

Pre s erver, Amen. 

ivS. Aftk.r \n\ Danger safely Passed, 

w In my distress I cried unto the I ord, and He answered 

me with enlargement." Fear and trembling reigned in my 



SPECIAl PRA VERS 6] 

SOUl, for dangers encircled me and my distress w.i 

But now, thanks to Thee, my God, the peril is passed ahd 
I breathe freely once again. My heart, bul now ( ompressed 
wiih terror, beats freely and camly, and from my soothed 
soni my prayer av ends to Thee, who did. i spread over me 
the wing i of Thy prote* tion, and didst shelter me with Thy 
potent hand in the hour ol straitness and distress, wh.it 
should we be and what would become of us, my God, if Thy 
guardian eye did not watch over us continually, and Thy 
paternal hand did not proted us in times ol danger and 
adversity ? How great then, how infinitely exalted, art Thou 

mi Thy patient < air and ( onsl.anl love for us! Close to thy 

hear! Thou dost carry us; without Thy will, not a hail of 

OUt head is harmed. Not always do we see the dan;o 

which encompass us, not always do we recognize the metuu 
ing evil, but "the angel of the Lord encampeth around His 

WOrshiperS, tO rCS( Ue them"; and when we fear that we must 

sin!, in misery, when destruction from all sides is about to 

seize us, when our strength and our wisdom are set at 
naught, then dost Thou send forth Thy wool, and the dan 

is over; the ShadoWS of d.nl-.ness are s'.itieied and flee, 

light appears, terroi ii turned to joy, and timidity to bappi- 

: — 

11 Though griel may dwell the trouhh-d night, 
Vet joy shall come with morning light* 

Therefore, my God, will I ever put my trust, in Thee, devote 
myself, heart and soul, to Thee, and ncv- r forget, that, how 
ever perilous Ottr Condition may he, <r I hi ue arm is not. too 
short to save." Thou dost allot all dest mie | and happenings 

a< i ording to Thy wise and just will, and for man there ( an 
he hut on'- real misfortune, namely, to lose through sin or 

Crime, his own happy conscience, and with it Thy divine 
favor. may I never he one so ims< -rahle, n< ver may Thy 



62 THE JE WISH HOME ERA YER-BOOK 

grace be forfeited by act of mine! Under Thy protection I 
am secure, under Thy sheltering hand I am well guarded. 
" Save me, Lord, and I am saved indeed; for Thou art my 
glory." Amen. 

19. On Dedicating a New Dwelling. 

First say the usual ' ' Evening Prayers, 9 9 then continue as follows, the 
Reader and the Company saying alternate verses: 

" Except the Lord shall build the house, in vain the 
builders toil." 

" Except the Lord shall keep the city, in vain the watch- 
man waketh." 

" Blessed is he that feareth the Lord, and walketh in His 
ways." 

"When thou dost eat thy hand's own labor, happy thou, 
it is well with thee!" 

" Thy wife shall be a flourishing vine, within thy hall's 
recesses." 

'•Thy children all, like olive-plants round about thy 
table." 

" Behold, that thus the man is blessed that feareth aye 
the Lord." 

"The Lord shall bless thee from Zion's mount with 
Israel's welfare all thy days." 

u And may thou see thy children's children, and peace 
upon all Israel." Amen. 

Prayer. 

Almighty Father, in Thee is all our help, Thou ruler of 
heaven and earth. We implore Thy benediction upon this 
new home, which these, Thy servants, would dedicate to 
Thy holy name. Of old Thou didst give light and joy in all 
the habitations of Thy chosen people, even when darkness 



SPECIAL PR A VERS 63 

reigned without, and terror dwelt on all surroundings. That 
mercy show, too, unto these who here shall dwell, that 
though gloom and trouble, storm and trial rule outside, 
within these walls shall ever be a haven of quietude and 
peace, where mutual affection shall beautify and strengthen 
life, inspire to duty, and support beneath all trials and all 
experiences. Bless them in their coming in, and bless them 
in their going out. Bestow Thy grace upon all their under- 
takings, that all that is attempted in honor of Thee and in 
reverence for Thy law, shall prosper and reach due fruition. 
Thy choicest blessings of health we implore for them; in all 
the ills and ailments that shall come, give Thou the sup- 
porting strength and vigor that shall ward off all baleful 
results. Beneath this rooftree, let only happiness and love 
of purity reside, cheerfulness and gladness of heart, together 
with a deep and reverent love for Thy word and law, that 
shall show itself in love and piety, in words and deeds of 
charity and true benevolence, helpfulness unto them that 
need, willing aid to all who seek. Merciful God, accept 
their thanks that Thou hast preserved them, sustained them 
and brought them to this gladsome hour, when with prayer 
to Thee and the good wishes of their friends, they seek to 
consecrate their dwelling to restfulness and happiness 
beneath the shadow of Thy pinions, Amen. 

11 The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord cause 
His countenance to shine upon thee and be gracious unto 
thee. The Lord lift up His countenance to thee and give 
thee peace/' Amen. 



64 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER BOOK 

SICKNESS. 



Introductory Meditations. 

Life and health are, perhaps, not the very highest of 
man's gifts from God, but they are at all events very 
important and precious endowments, for the material life is 
the preparatory stage to the life eternal and spiritual. Life 
is the period of plowing and sowing for the future harvest, 
the day of " labor in the Lord's vineyard " Viewed from 
this standpoint, our life becomes of inestimable value, and 
every moment thereof is precious, for that moment is 
enough to lose or win eternal salvation. 

The duty is, therefore, obvious of preserving life as a 
sacred possession, of avoiding all things which tend to 
endanger or destroy life and health, wholly or in part, no 
matter whether the ill effects are likely to be, in point of 
time, immediate or more remote. 

It follows, too, that it is a sacred duty to promptly set 
about restoring shattered health as far as lies within our 
power. The means hereto are afforded, partly by natural 
processes and drugs, partly by God's disposing hands con- 
trolling these natural processes. The consideration of the 
former fact dictates the obligation of securing the services 
of a physician, for he is skilled in applying the medicines 
and cures which nature places at his disposal. 

But care for the restoration of our bodily health, a com- 
mon prompting of all, becomes a virtue only when the mind, 
equally with the body, is set in order and prepared to 
grapple with the ailment, in the manner following: — 

i. We should constantly have in mind the divine pur- 
poses of affliction, and bend all our effort towards speeding 
their benefits on ourselves, bearing our maladies patiently as 
admonitions sent to us by God's wise but inscrutable love, 



SPECIAL PRA YERS 65 

or as His chastisement for our sins and shortcomings. 
Reflecting thus seriously upon the fact of life and its objects 
and duties, we should be brought to earnestly renounce all 
frivolity, and senseless, not to say mischievous, pursuits, and 
so to purge ourselves in the fire of affliction from the dross 
of sin. 

2. We should feel impelled to this solicitude for the 
restoration of our health, less by our physical suffering than 
by the earnest desire to continue to live in a life of useful- 
ness and religious duty, earning the favor of God and the 
gratitude of our fellowmen. 

3. We should then resign ourselves to the physician's 
care implicitly, leaving the outcome of the struggle con- 
fidently in the hand of God. "My son/' writes Sirach,* 
" neglect not thyself in thy sickness, but pray to the Lord to 
make thee well again. Repent of thy sin and cleanse thy 
hands [from iniquity] ; purify thy heart from all evil, and 
send for the physician." 

The sick man should, if necessary, make his will betimes ; 
indeed, this should be done properly in days of health, for 
life is not within our control, and passes away quicker than 
we think. Our life is a shadow which departs suddenly and 
without warning, when the light is removed. We are warned 
by this brevity and uncertainty of existence to set our 
worldly affairs in order in good time. Sirach teaches : 
"When the days of thy life approach their end, and the hour 
of death draws nigh, thou shouidst have distributed thine 
inheritance. ,, When a man has made his will, his last hours 
will not be darkened by worldly cares, nor his soul prevented 
by earthly anxieties from dwelling on things spiritual and 
eternal. We should also recollect that that portion of our 

* Jeshua (or Jesus) ben Sirach, of Jerusalem lived about 102 before the common 
era; a Jewish writer of eminence, author of a celebrated book of "Wisdom," (Proverbs) 
written in Hebrew originally, and translated into Greek by his grandson of similar 
name. His book is included in the Apocrypha. 



66 THE JE WISH HOME ERA YER-BOOK 

wealth alone accompanies us, it may be said, which we have 
devoted to the glory of God's name by gifts to synagogues 
and other religious institutions, hospitals, orphan asylums 
and other refuges for the poor and the distressed. 

It is to be desired that the confession of sinfulness, and 
the promise of amendment of our path should recovery be 
vouchsafed, be not delayed Many postpone it out of the 
foolish fear that such preparation would hasten death, 
whereas, to the contrary, the sweet calm and peace which 
such a course results in, is a very powerful factor toward 
recovery. The sickness itself, moreover, is to be considered 
as a reminder from Almighty hand, that " our house is to be 
set in order," so that we may not have to leave life, if that 
is to be the issue, totally unprepared in ourselves, and 
having neglected provision for those we leave behind. 

2. On Visiting the Sick 

To find others interested enough in them to visit them 
when ill and suffering, is happiness and comfort for the 
sick amid their trials. It makes them more patient to see 
that others sympathize with them even though totally 
unable to relieve them. Rightly, therefore, have our sages 
included this kindly office of visiting the sick among those 
deeds which are to be rewarded both in this life and in 
futurity. 

Nevertheless, we must be guarded against overcrowding 
and senseless prattle in the sickroom, both of which are posi- 
tively injurious to the sufferer. To be useful to him, in the 
house or outside of it, to wait upon him, to watch by day or 
night at his bedside, to contribute to his cheerfulness and 
peace of mind, these are the offices with which we may 
charge ourselves. More intimate friends may, and indeed 
should, endeavor to turn his thoughts, if he be seriously 
ill, towards the possibility of non-recovery, and the conse- 



SICKNESS 67 

quent duty of making testamentary or other dispositions, 
and also to the duty of making peace with God by confession 
of sinfulness and sincere contrition. It should be our part to 
encourage him to this, and, at the same time, to imbue him 
with hopefulness and confidence, and trustful resignation 
to the will of God, whatever it maybe. Comforting reading, 
such as selected prayers, psalms and meditations, are often 
very useful in putting morbid fancies and gloomy appre- 
hensions to flight. The conversation may be cautiously led 
toward the sick man's worldly affairs, and expressions of his 
desires as to their disposition may be gleaned from him, or 
the incentive thus be given to the formal drawing up of a 
will. His attention may be drawn to the fact, that such 
matters as this, and reconciliation with God upon a sickbed 
are matters beneficial in any event, since they evidence humi- 
lity and resignation, and so calm and ease our minds. 
Finally we should not omit to pray for the sufferer in our 
own devotions. Rabbi Chanina once said in the name of 
Rav: " He who has an opportunity of praying for a sick man 
and neglects it, is a sinner, as the prophet Samuel said unto 
Israel, ' Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord 
by ceasing to pray in your behalf.' " (i Sam. xii. 23.) Even 
for a sick enemy we should offer such prayer as David did 
of old. " When they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: 
I afflicted my soul with fasting and my prayer was eloquent 
within me ; as though he had been to me a friend or a 
brother did I walk about, as one that mourned for a mother 
did I sorrowfully bend down my head." {Psalm xxxv. 
13, MO 

3. Prayer in Behalf of a Sick Parent. 

Father of love and mercy, when every hope has proved 
in vain, and all help else seems unavailing, then still "Thy 
hand is not too short to save." My dear father (mother) is 



68 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

stricken down with disease; I behold his (her) suffering 
and am powerless to help. The skill of man is of no avail 
against the ailment's ravages; then do Thou send Thy 
healing balm. My God, look upon my tears, see my grief. 
Preserve to me my father (mother) ; deprive me not yet of 
his (her) paternal love and devotion. Thou inclinest 
Thine ear "to all who call upon Thee, to all who call in 
truth ;" from the depths of my heart I cry: O Lord, grant 
health, grant life to my beloved parent, that he (she) may 
long continue to be my living exemplar in the path of good- 
ness and affection. Amen. 

4. Prayer for a Sick Husband or Wife. 

Heavenly Father, it was in Thy wisdom Thou didst link 
my destiny with that of my beloved husband (wife), for we 
have loved each other truly, and have lived in love and 
harmony. Life has become full of meaning and high aims 
to me, and with grateful recognition of Thy goodness in its 
whole extent, do I look up to Thee. 

But the stronger and the deeper the love that unites me 
to my husband (wife), the keener is my suffering now, when 
I behold the anguish in which my loved one lies. And 
when the thought seizes my mind that there is the possibility 
of my losing my faithful, prudent husband (my affectionate, 
self-denying wife) my heart is filled with gloom and fearful 
anxiety. But then again I recall Thy mercies and Thy 
love which are of old; hope and confidence drive off the 
dark forebodings which oppress me and make me despair. A 
voice whispers to me, k God hath not joined you both, so 
soon to separate you.' In Thy benevolent mercy grant that 
this shall prove to have been a trial unto me, a purification 
of our lives, a strengthening of our loves, an incentive and 
reward at once to better living, better doing, in life, and bid 
the destroying angel to hold his hand from beneath my 
rooftree. 



SICKNESS 69 

And if I have sinned against Thee, Father, consciously 
or unconsciously, in matters grave or of comparatively light 
import, do Thou in this mine hour of anguish, pardon me 
that I may amend my errors: look upon the tears that well 
from me [look upon the tears of mine innocent children who 
fear the loss of their father's (mother's) love] and send speedy 
and complete recovery unto my beloved husband (wife), 
Amen. 

5. Prayer for a Sick Child. 
Allmerciful God, from the depths of a woe-stricken heart 
I call to Thee; Father, hearken unto my prayer. Spare my 
child, spare its young life to me, Lord of Mercy; take not 
from me this beloved treasure Thou hast bestowed upon me. 
I know that this, like all other of my possessions, is of Thee 
and through Thy favor: according to Thy will shall be its 
disposition. Do Thou grant it to remain to me. In days 
of old, Thou didst proclaim to Thy suffering community: 
" Call upon Me in time of need and I will hear thee." And 
in Thy name Thy servant Isaiah assured Thy people Israel, 
" I will pour out My spirit upon thy children and My bless- 
ing upon thy posterity." So let this promise be extended 
unto my child as well; grant health and long life unto it. 
To me too give strength in all the trials and straits of life, 
fortify my courage in the performance of my religious duties, 
and the endurance of what Thou dost see fit to lay upon us 
to bear. In Thee, O Lord, I place my trust, Thou art from 
of old our refuge and our help, near to all who seek Thee, 
Amen 

6. Prayer in Behalf of a Sick Brother, Sister 
or Friend. 

Lord of all life ! With few words, but with deepest 
feeling, our great leader of olden time interceded at the 
footstool of Thy grace in behalf of one dear to him, and 



70 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER BOOK 

thus he prayed: "God, I pray Thee, heal her now!" And not 
according to the measure of his words didst Thou answer 
him, but by the profound emotion that swayed his very soul. 
When now I come, my God, to ask for similar mercy for my 
stricken brother (sister, friend) I build my hopes, not upon 
my words or form of prayer, for there is not a word upon 
my tongue, but Thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether. But 
with all my heart and all my soul, I crave Thy richest meed 
of mercy for the sick one for whom I pray, and humbly 
implore relief unto his (her) suffering, cessation unto his 
(her) ailment. Speed all the help that skill can proffer; 
grant keenest discernment to those who attend upon him 
(her), and dispose all the effects our poor science can not 
always control, towards recovery and health. For unless 
Thou dost guide, all care is vain; if Thou dostnot favor,maa's 
exertions are all for naught. So send Thy help and Thy 
counsel, that again we may see the loved one strong and 
well, that again Thy goodness to those who seek Thee in 
truth and confidence shall be most evident. And however 
long the trial yet shall be, however slow must be the 
progress to recovery, grant him (her) patience and endur- 
ance humility and resignation to Thy will: and if it should 
be Thine almighty will, as this my humble entreaty desireth, 
that perfect convalescence shall presently approach, sanctify 
this trying experience unto him (her) and all of us, that 
gratitude shall mark our days, and loving devotion repay 
Thy favoring bounty. Amen. 

7. A Sick Person's Prayer. 

Eternal God, hear my prayer and let my petition come 
before Thee. Hide not Thy face from me, incline Thine 
ear to me in this day of my distress ; when I call, do Thou 
in Thine infinite mercy, send speedy answer. Heal me, O 
Lord, for my body is held in the thrall of sickness ; look 



SICKNESS 71 

down upon me and help, lest I fall asleep in death. Through 
Thee alone can I be saved, in Thine assistance is my only 
hope. Send me a perfect recovery, release complete from 
every pang and pain, for Thou, Lord God art, indeed, the 
great Physician of all flesh, skilful even as Thou art merci- 
ful. Amen. 

8. A Prayer of Resignation, and Confession of Sin, 
for the Dying. 
My God and the God of my fathers! I acknowledge 
before Thee that it is in Thy power to determine whether I 
shall arise from this couch, or whether I shall here fall 
asleep in death. With all my heart I pray, that it may be 
Thy will that I recover, and live many years yet of usefulness 
and upright endeavor. But if it should be Thy decree, that 
I shall rise no more, grant that my submission shall be 
atonement for all the sins of my life, for all the iniquity and 
all the trangressions that I have been guilty of from the day 
I came on earth until this day. Hold me worthy at least 
of life in the future state, that, though I might have made 
better use of the days allotted to me here, I shall still be 
permitted to enjoy of the happiness Thou hast in store for 
those who pass the portals of the grave. Show unto me the 
path of everlasting life, fulness of joy in Thy presence, 
everlasting beatitude at Thy right hand. Amen. 

Then, if there are children , the following blessing may be added : 

11 May the Lord bless thee and preserve thee May the 
Lord cause His countenance to shine upon thee and be 
gracious unto thee ! May the Lord lift up His countenance 
upon thee and give thee peace ! " 

" Hear, O Israel, the Eternal our God is the Eternal One/' 
44 Blessed be the name of His Kingdom's glory for ever and ever. 



72 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

( Then let any special exhortations and requests be here mentioned: 
after which, let the following be added.) 

Lord God of Truth, to Thee I commend my soul. Thy 
spirit be my guide, to lead me to eternal glory, that I may 
dwell in Thy tent and shelter beneath Thy pinions. Amen. 

(Then let the bystanders softly intone the ' Yigdal ' and 'A don 
Olam ' hymns, concluding with the first two lines of the ' Shemang, 
repeating these latter at intervals until life is extinct.) 

9. Prayer of Thanksgiving on Recovery. 

Almighty Father, Thou hast released me from the fetters 
of sickness which chained me to my couch. A new lease of 
existence Thou hast granted unto me; from the cup of Thy 
mercy I have drunk a deep draft of recovery. Full of joy, 
I bring to Thee the thanksgiving offering of an overflowing 
heart: I praise Thy wondrous power, and every pulse of my 
being, exulting in its new vigor, shall give praise to Thee 
and thank Thy name. My new-found health — the cherished 
witness of God's tenderness unto me — I will henceforth 
carefully guard, and be ne'er unmindful of its inestimable 
value, nor squander this divine gift unwisely. And my fresh 
returning strength shall be devoted to all that is wise and 
good, to the welfare of my home, my family and my fellow- 
men, and thus will I prove that I am not unworthy of the 
salvation Thou hast sent me. Amen. 

"I will praise the Lord at all times, continually shall His 
praise be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the 
Lord, the meek shall hear thereof and be glad. O magnify 
the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together. I 
sought the Lord and He answered me, and delivered me 
from all my fears. They who looked upon Him and were 
lightened, their faces shall never be made ashamed. This 
poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out 
of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round 



SICKNESS 73 

about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and 
see that the Lord is good: happy the man who trusteth in 
Him ! O fear the Lord, ye His saints, for there is no want 
to them that fear Him, The young lions do lack and suffer 
hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good 
thing. Come, ye children, hearken unto me, the fear of the 
Lord will I teach you. What man is he that desireth life, 
and loveth many days that he may see good? Keep thy 
tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart 
from evil and do good; seek peace, yea, pursue it. The 
eyes of the Lord are towards the righteous and His ears are 
open unto their cry. The righteous cried and the Lord 
heard, and delivered them out of all their troubles. The 
Lord is nigh unto them that are of broken heart, and such 
as are of contrite spirit saveth He. Many are the afflictions 
of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth them out of them 
all. The Lord redeemeth the life of his servants, and none 
of them shall stand ashamed who trust in Him.' Amen. 
{Psalm xxxiv.) 

io. A Mother's Prayer after Confinement. 

This Praye? is said at the Ark in the Synagogue or Temple, at some 
opp&rtwiity when no public service is taking place, and is usually followed 
by a prayer of benediction upon the child, offered by the attending Minister, 
and by gifts to the poor. 

"I love the Lord for that He hath heard my voice and 
supplications; for that He hath inclined His ear unto me, 
therefore will I call upon Him while I live. I found trouble 
and heaviness, and I called upon the name of the Lord: 'O 
Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul/ Gracious is the 
Lord and righteous, yea, our God is merciful: I was brought 
low and He saved me. Return unto thy rest, my soul, for 
the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. What shall I 
render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me ? I will 



74 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

raise the cup of salvation and call upon His name. I will 
pay my vows unto the Lord, yea, in the presence of all His 
people, halleluyah. ,, {Psalm cxvi.) 

Praise to Thee, Almighty God, for Thy protecting hand 
that has preserved me in my trial, and brought me in safety 
and in happiness unto this day. What can I render Thee, 
my good and loving Father, for my preservation, but my 
heart's inmost gratitude, as with filling heart I acknowledge, 
that Thou art bounteous in grace and Thy mercy is unend- 
ing. Grant to me renewal of health and strength, to 
faithfully perform the holy duties of a mother's care, and 
in the budding life entrusted to my keeping, still further 
to behold Thy goodness, still further to thank Thy protect- 
ing love. Grant me to rear my babe to health and usefulness; 
grant me the privilege of leading it in reverence and devotion 
to this Thy holy altar, and by imbuing its early nature with 
piety and devoutness, of making of it in time a loyal, 
reverent servitor of Thy wilL Over our happy home, shed 
light and love; the light of Thy countenance and favor, the 
love of all that is good and pure and noble in man's life; to 
the end that all of us may be Thy faithful children, doing 
good for Thy sake, spreading happiness around us because 
Thou wouldst have it so, and with united hearts giving 
thanks by active benevolence to Thee, for all Thy great and 
manifold mercies unto us, Amen. 



DBA TH 75 

DEATH. 

i. Prayer on Preparing the Dead for Burial. 

Almighty Father, Thou who dost lovingly care for Thy 
creatures on earth with mercy and with tenderness, we ask 
Thy blessing as we now proceed to perform the last offices 
for this our departed brother (sister). Accept this offering 
of our hearts in recognition of Thy manifold mercies unto 
us; protect us from all accident and danger in these last sad 
rites, and give that the tenderness we show to others shall, 
when our time comes, be shown to us. May Thy mercy and 
Thy protection accompany us all the days of our life. 
Amen. 

"And I will pour pure water upon you, and ye shall be 
cleansed ; from all your impurity and your defilement will I 
purify you;" " and ye shall be holy; for holy am I, the 
Lord." 

2. Prayer on the Death of a Parent. 

" Come and let us return unto the Lord ; for though He 
hath torn us, He will heal us again; He hath smitten us, 
indeed, but He will bind us up." 

Our dear father (mother) has ended his (her) life ; the 
dreaded hour has come (too soon for our beloved father) 
(mother), too soon for us, his (her) children. We too, alas ! 
belong to those whom the Lord hath torn and smitten. But 
we know, O God, that Thou art the Lord of life and death; 
Thou who bringest into life dost also say : " return, ye 
children of the dust, to the dust as ye were; your soul comes 
back to Me again." Aye; u comes back again!" Thou 
issuest this call to mett every day and in every land, and at 
the Master's word the soul detaches itself from the earthly 
form. And can we murmur when the Lord calls back His 
own ? Dare we ask then: " Lord, what doest Thou ? " since 



76 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER BOOK 

He does only what is well done. Full well we know that 
hours of anguish are but hours of trial, hours wherein Thou 
dost test our confidence, hours wherein our loyalty to Thee 
is keenly proved. And so, though with falling tears and 
bleeding heart, we answer: <4 Thy will is just : it must be 
right; what Thou doest, Father, is well done ! Thou hast 
torn, but Thou wilt heal us; Thou hast smitten but Thou wilt 
make us whole again/' Yea, Thou wilt heal us, for Thou 
art merciful as well as just, and no less compassionate than 
mighty. Thou knowest the paths, and Thou wilt show them 
to us, by which Thy blessing and Thy guidance shall lead 
us out of this dark night of sorrow and deep distress, to light 
and comfort, and all our future happiness shall be sanctified 
by the memory of the departed. 

Therefore, O Eternal God, Thou who hearest the heart- 
cry of the stricken mourner, look not with disdain upon the 
misery of Thine earthly creatures who sorely bleed when Thy 
dispensations wound them. Thou hast so richly endowed 
man's heart with love and affection, do Thou, with Thy 
paternal love, feel for the anguish and the agony of such 
blows, and send of the balm of Thy consolation to our 
droopingsouls to fortify and to strengthen them. Send peace 
unto us, send solace and comfort in this our hour of 
darkest need, Thou who art the Father of the orphaned and 
the widow's chosen Advocate 3 Amen. 

3 . An Orphan's Prayer. 

Gracious God, Merciful Father I I am a lonely, forsaken 
child, and I come to Thee and ask Thee to be a father unto 
me. It has pleased Thee to call away my parents from me, 
to deprive me of their watchful care and guidance : alas, to 
whom shall I now turn for these ? Parents have I none : 
who will show parental love to me now ? Therefore it is to 
Thee I lift up mine eyes, Thou who dost dwell in heaven, 



DEA TH 77 

and Thee I beg to be a guide unto me ; direct me aright and 
let me feel that I have Thy protection. Thou dost protect 
the humblest of Thy creatures, dost send food to the helpless 
raven-fledglings when they cry : Thou wilt not forget or 
forsake me. (i I lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: 
from there shall come my help : my help shalL come from 
the Lord, who maketh the heavens and the earth." Were I 
of men altogether forsaken, I should not be despised of 
Thee. Show me Thy paths : teach me Thy truths in life : 
preserve my heart pure and undefiled, and let me live in fear 
and reverence of Thy holy name. Be my Preserver, God 
of love, my Helper to give me aid, my Guide who- will point 
out the right path for me to go always. Bless me with true 
and loyal friends, with honorable companions and worthy 
associates with whom I can commune : raise up protectors 
for me in parents' stead, who shall take interest in my 
lonely lot and show me favor and regard for Thy sake. 
And to them, good Father, in return for the love they show 
to me, and which my feeble efforts can ill requite sufficiently, 
do Thou show favor and blessing, and grant that they shall 
have no cause to regret the attention bestowed upon me. 
Give me a modest and a thankful disposition, that I may be 
worthy of man's sympathy and active interest. Guard me 
especially from temptations, that I may never transgress the 
dictates of Thy law. Aid me in increasing my knowledge 
and love of Thee ; let the spirit of Thy truth watch over me, 
to counsel me in all my doings, and grant that my life 
shall be a lasting monument to the teachings and examples 
of my dear parentSu The day of their death shall be always 
a marked day for me, a day to be spent in retirement, sweet 
reflection and worship. So shall I realize the fervor of the 
olden declaration : " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath 
taken away : blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen. 



78 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

4. Prayer of a Bereaved Husband or Wife. 

Almighty Father, Thou art the refuge of all the sad, the 
grief-stricken and the forsaken. It has pleased Thee, in 
Thy sacred and infinite wisdom, to call my beloved partner 
from my side. It is as though the sun had set at noon-day: 
the glory of my life is gone. I am a solitary, deep-bowed 
wife (husband), for my beloved is no more. Whither shall 
I turn, and where seek solace and counsel ? My God, to 
Thee I come; Thou wilt be my Helper, my Refuge, my 
Savior, (and to my dear children Thou wilt replace the 
affection they now must miss.) Let my tears bespeak a 
gracious acceptance for my prayer, let my sobs stir Thy 
mercy, my aching thoughts commend me to Thy care. 
Give me some sign of favor that I may know I am not quite 
deserted of Thee, although deprived of this, the stay of my 
life. I set my trust in Thee, my God, my heart and inmost 
thoughts to Thee are turned. There is no other consolation 
for me in this bereavement, save that Thou hast at all times 
exercised fatherly care over my well being and wilt not now 
desert me. My heart is full of sorrow, full as it can hold 
with ache and grief : but the touch of Thy hand can 
cure me, the breath of the blessing of Thy comfort. Grant 
that I may learn to bear this my affliction in piety and sub- 
mission, and live always in reverence and love of Thee. 
Let me find grace and favor, relief and consolation with 
Thee and in Thee. Be my refuge and my shield, my 
preserver and my support; until the day shall come when 
Thy summons shall call me too, and in the life beyond the 
grave unite me once again, unite me never more to part, 
with him (her) who so blessed my life on earth, Amen. 
Show unto him (her) the path of the life that is everlasting, 
fulness of joy in Thy presence, everlasting happiness at Thy 
right hand, Amen. 



DBA TH 7y 

5. The Parents* Prayer on their Child's Death. 

Almighty Father, Thou dost give and Thou dost take, 
Thou dost confer life and dost send death, according as it 
is pleasing in Thy divine wisdom ; and in each decree Thou 
dost but prosecute the same dictates of Thy fatherly love 
and care for us. Though the tears prevent our seeing it, 
the hour that parts us from our beloved is as eloquent 
of Thy wisdom, as replete with Thy mercy, as the hour that 
gives us life : and every sentence of Thy will is a means, did 
we but know it, to lead Thy children unto perfection and to 
holiness. Strengthen this conviction unto us at this 
moment. In this light let us view the death of our darling 
child, let us bear this dispensation of Thy Providence as 
becometh parents who recognize their indebtedness to Thee, 
and worship Thee as a God of infinite wisdom and 
love. That our heart should now be torn and bleeding 
cannot offend Thee, Father, who hast created us with the 
deep affection that so sacredly binds parent unto child : 
even our mourning after that which is gone, will not be 
received with displeasure, for Thou wilt recognize the tie 
of nature which so sweetly links us unto our dear ones. 
Grateful are we that we can find in the teachings of our 
religion and in the service of Thy name, some balm, some 
consolation, for even these sad ills of life which must 
be endured by all. Grant that this comfort shall linger 
long with us, shall temper our minds to bow resignedly to 
Thy will. Thine intentions may be shrouded from the eye 
of man ; we cannot divine them in this dispensation, but we 
believe what Thou doest is well done, and Thou alone 
shouldst understand them. Death has for the present 
parted us from our child, has deprived us of the joys its 
future promised ; the sweet and holy cares for its well-being 
and education have been taken out of our willing hands; yet 



80 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

we are persuaded that in Thy realms, no ability, no intelli- 
gence, no talent capable of development and growth, is 
suffered to waste and be lost, to remain undeveloped and 
imperfect. Yes, our reason and Thy word together tell us 
that we have not lost our child for ever, but that, as 
David said, in another sphere we shall be again united. 
Undefiled and innocent, it has done with this life ; it 
has escaped the manifold cares, the trials, the temptations 
and the afflictions of this world, escaped them all, un- 
harmed and unscathed by them. Therefore it is with 
tranquillity and resignation that we restore our child to 
Thee as pure and as holy as when Thou didst give 
it to us. Into Thy hand we consign ourselves and all that 
is dear to us. We know Thee, we glorify Thee, as the God 
of wisdom supreme and of goodness, and in this knowledge 
we have consolation, peace and happiness again, Amen. 

6. Meditation on the Dead. 

True love follows its object into the life beyond the 
grave, and its first and most important expression is in 
caring that their bodies receive fit and honorable burial. 
This office of devotion is praised already in biblical times 
and cited as a labor that is pleasing in the eyes of the great 
Creator. Thus Abraham mourned for his beloved wife 
Sarah, and interred her in the burial-place purchased for 
that purpose (Genesis xxzii.) His sons Ishmael and Isaac 
carefully buried him with filial piety at her side (Gen. xxxv.) 
Rachel was similarly honored by Jacob who erected a monu- 
ment over her remains (Gen. xxxv.) Joseph promised Jacob 
upon his death-bed that he should be interred in the cave or 
vault which Abraham had provided aforetime, and the pro- 
mise was faithfully executed (Gen. jc/vii. xlix. i.) Joseph 
himself was much concerned about the disposition of his 
body, and m accordance with the promise made by his 



DEA TH 81 

brothers and contemporaries, Moses, many years later, took 
his remains with him from Egypt {Exodus xiii.) David 
ascribed great praise to the men of Jabesh-Gilead who gave 
the bodies of King Saul and his son decent interment 
(2 Kings //.) Tobias see the Apocryphal book of Tobit) 
exhorted his son solemnly to bury him and his wife together 
side by side. To remain unburied and uncared for was 
esteemed by the Israelites as a mark of deep disgrace and 
misfortune (see Psalms Ixxvii. 2-4,) " My son, let tears 

fall down over the dead cover his body according to 

the custom, and neglect not his burial' 1 (Sirach xxviii. 16.) 
Judah Maccabee repeatedly ordered the body of the slain 
to be collected and fitly interred with their fathers (2 Mac- 
cabees xii. ) 

In the next place, we should scrupulously carry out the 
last will and expressed wishes of the departed, gratefully 
recognize whatever good they have done in life, and giving 
them due honor for it, seek to continue, preserve and perfect 
it. Whatever evil they may have wrought, we should like- 
wise sedulously strive to undo and remove all its effects, and 
counteract, as far as possible, its influence. In accordance 
with that manly principle, to speak only of what redounds to 
the credit of the departed, we must defend their memory and 
not dwell upon their faults and shortcomings, or, if this must 
be done for the sake of higher considerations, let it be done 
gently and forgivingly. And all these duties are peculiarly 
owing by us to those with whom we were in life most closely 
allied by bonds of blood, love and friendship. 

They who charge themselves with the care of the bodies 
of the dead, watching by them while still in their abodes, 
sewing for them, washing them, dressing them and preparing 
them for decent burial, or accompanying them to their 
place of last repose, are doing a work pleasing in the sight 
of the Almighty Father, and to them the verse may well be 



82 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

applied, seeing that there is none so poorly off as the dead, 
" Blessed is he who considereth the poor, and in the time of 
his trouble the Lord will deliver him " [Psalm xli, i). It is 
our duty to mourn the dead, and to speak of them, and have 
them spoken of in public assembly, in such regards as are 
seemly and fitting. Even if there are already many who 
are eager in showing these last sad honors to the dead, it is 
still incumbent upon each individual to endeavor in some 
way to show some tribute of respect and regard for him who 
is gone. Our rabbis used to teach that even the sacred 
occupation of study must be interrupted to show this last 
respect to the departed. 

Rabbi Abba and Rabbi Judah said : " He who sees 
a funeral procession go by and refrains from joining it, is 
the one alluded to by the verse in Proverbs (chap. xvii. 5), 
" Whoso mocketh the poor, reproaches his Maker," while 
another verse there describes him who at once joins it: 
(Prov, xix. 17), " He loaneth unto the Lord who com- 
passionateth the poor." For every step taken in the con- 
summation of a pious deed and every act inspired by pure 
and unselfish benevolence, is recorded and remembered by 
God. He who, though his hand be feeble, practiseth virtue 
in this life, is sure of ample recompense in the life to come, 
as the Scripture declares : — " He keepeth covenant and 
mercy with them who love Him and keep His command- 
ments unto the thousandth generation." (Deut. viz. 9.) 

7. Meditations for the House of Mourning. 

That highest and most sacred command of our Law, to 
"love the Lord," can be said to be quite fulfilled, only when 
we give praise to God in hours of tribulation as well as in 
times of joy, and devoutly acknowledge His wisdom in the 
presence of death and misfortune. It was thus our sages of 
the Talmud taught " It is man's duty to give thanks to God 



DEA TH 83 

even in distress, as were it a benefaction he is experiencing, 
for that is the true fulfilment of the command, ' and thou 
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all 
thy soul, and with all thy might.' ,, "To love the Lord 
with all thy heart " means with every impulse and emotion 
of thy heart ; " with all thy soul " signifies, to love Him 
even when such devotion endangers life by entailing 
persecution ; and " with all thy might " has a two-fold 
meaning : — first, with all thy property, being ready to 
sacrifice fortune and possessions, if needs must be, for 
the sake of the love thou bearest to thy Maker; and 
secondly, that thou shouldst thank Him for every 
" measure " of fortune, good or ill, that He metes out to 
thee. 

On joyous occasions we say: " Praised be He who is good 
and doeth good!" On sorrowful events and in adversity we 
say: " Praised be the righteous Judge!" Thus it was that 
the sore-tried Job exclaimed, when the tidings of the death 
of all his children were brought to him: " The Lord giveth, 
the Lord taketh back, blessed be the name of the Lord!" 

The Talmud further recommends that men should 
accustom themselves to say on every event befalling them, 
whether good or evil: "All that the Lord doeth, is well 
done." 

We should school ourselves to bear every dispensation 
that betides us, with fortitude and equanimity, and use Job's 
expressive argument: "Shall we receive the good from the 
hand of the Almighty, and not receive the evil?" And 
indeed, which of us can tell what is for our good, and what 
is actually harmful ? How often do we see men exulting 
over what they consider a piece of good fortune which even- 
tually turns out to be quite the reverse ; and on the other 
hand, very frequently, an apparently great trouble proves to 
be a blessing in disguise, a source of happiness and advan- 



84 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

tage. Therefore, nothing coming from the hands of Omni- 
science should be adjudged forthwith and decidedly as a mis- 
fortune ; no, not even the death of our near and dear ones. 

Death in itself is no evil; it simply introduces us to a new, 
and we believe, a better world, and at the same time is bene- 
ficial in admonishing the survivors to turn their thoughts 
more frequently and steadfastly to the great Hereafter, and 
prepare themselves for it by the performance of good and 
noble deeds in life. The earth is but a preparatory school, 
a primary class, for the college of Eternity. Our rabbis, too, 
taught: " This world is like an anteroom to the future world; 
prepare thyself in the anteroom to fitly and decorously enter 
the hall of reception. " 

And it is for this reason, it would seem, that God, 
in His wisdom sends death into the world at such varying 
periods of human life. We see that infants and greybeards, 
those who are young and fresh as well as those who 
are time-tried and time-torn, alike receive the summons to 
leave this life. This is surely to remind us how fleet 
of passage and how brief are the days of mortal man, 
how soon and how unexpectedly the strength and vigor of 
youth even, may fall and fade, and it is to urge us that the 
necessary work of reconciliation and union with God in the 
spirit of piety and devout service of our Maker, should be 
by no means delayed or deferred. 

And so Rabbi Eleazar used to teach: " Repent just one 
day before thy death," and when his disciples asked him: 
"Do we then know the day of death ?" he replied forcibly : 
"Therefore repent today and everyday." Ecclesiastes, 
too, says : " Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth, 
before ever the evil days come and the years draw nigh 
when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; before the 
sun seems dark to thee, and the moon and the stars all dark, 
and the clouds gather again after the rain ; the day when 



DEA TH 85 

the watchmen of the house tremble and the men of might are 
bent ; and they that used to grind become still, because they 
are few; and the eyes which looked from their windows 
become darkened ; when communion with the outer world 
becomes infrequent, for the voice grows weak and men rise at 
early dawn (cannot slumber); when men are timid at every 
little height and are terrified on every road, and blanching 
locks are shed, and the staff picks its slow way along. Think 
of all this before the silver cord is loosened and the golden 
bowl is crushed, and the pitcher is broken at the fountain, 
and the wheel falls into the cistern; and the dust returns to 
the dust as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave 
it." ( Ecclesiastes xii. ) 

It is, therefore, evident that there remains nothing better 
or more desirable for a man. to do in this life, than to prac- 
tise those deeds of love and beneficence which will enable 
his spirit to return unto its divine Author, pure and unde- 
filed as when given to him, and with a record of piety as a 
testimonial of its earthly activity. " The spirit returns to 
God who gave it"; therefore give it back as He gave it. Let 
us not therefore cleave to things which are worldly, for they 
are of contaminating influence, lead to iniquitousness of 
varying degree, and, in the end, are of absolutely no value 
to us, as we leave them behind. Far different are knowledge, 
virtue and good works generally which accompany us even 
in death. Thus our sages expounded: u When man departs 
from this life, neither his silver nor his gold, nor his jewels 
nor his pearls go with him, but only his good deeds and 
piety; so we read in the book of Proverbs (vi. 22) : 'When 
thou walkest, it shall lead thee; when thou liest down, it 
shall watch over thee ; and when thou wakest, it shall 
converse with thee/ ' When thou walkest, it shall lead thee/ 
means, in this world ; ' when thou liest down, it shall watch 
over thee,' that is, in the grave; 'when thou wakest, it shall 



86 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

converse with thee, that is, in the world to come." It is for 
this future life that we have to prepare on earth, and therefore 
God sends us the visit of the Removing Angel to remind us 
of this paramount duty of our existence here, by turning 
our gaze ever and anon to the unknown land whither we see 
our beloved, one by one depart. 

The Lord, our Rock, is infallible; His acts and His pro- 
vidence are just and upright, a God of truth and faithfulness 
is He ; blessed be the Lord who judgeth with truth and 
justice. Amen. 

And ye, friends, who grieve at this dispensation which 
has stricken you, remember and ponder it in your hearts 
that this has always been the world's experience. It was 
always so, and always will so continue. Many have drunk 
of the cup of death, and many yet will drink of it. May the 
Lord comfort and console you ; blessed be He who sendeth 
hope and solace to the afflicted and the mourning. Amen. 

8. A Private Prayer during the Week of Mourning. 

Almighty Father, Thy holy will hath ordained that 
a dear and precious life should be torn from us by the hand 
of death, and Thou hast held it wise to hearken not unto 
my supplication, but didst hide Thy face from me so that 
my prayer did find no favor. Therefore my soul is filled 
with darkness and pain : earth's joys have lost their zest for 
me, I heed them not and will not have them, unless Thy 
comfort and Thy consolation shall raise me up again 
from this, my dark despondency. I will not murmur 
over the hard trial Thou hast sent us, my Father, I 
acknowledge that Thou art on high and we are here below, 
so that Thy work may not be judged by us. And I know 
Thou art a God of righteousness and love, Thy acts are 
without fault; upright and gentle art Thou. The trial is 
hard that Thou dost lay upon me ; I will strive to bear it 



DEA TH 87 

with patience and with resignation. According to the 
prophet's words, I will li search my path and examine it, 
and return unto the Lord." 

On the death of a Father say : 

The beloved lost one was father, provider and protector 
unto me From my childhood he cared for me, toiling with 
fatherly love and self-devotion. To him I owe my educa- 
tion, my start and standing in life, all that I am. His love 
and esteem were dear to me beyond all else on earth. And 
now that he is gone from my sight, there is none who can 
comfort me, and none can offer me substitute for this 
revered, this prized, affection of my father. How deeply I 
rejoiced to be able as a child to tender him some little 
token of my gratitude . how sweet and sacred to me in 
later years was the privilege of contributing to his happiness 
and pleasure in every way. All this has come to an end, as 
at a stroke all this is over for ever, and to Thee alone, my 
God, can I turn in my sorrow! 

(7 'hen conclude " Yea, Almighty Father" p. 90.) 
On the death of a Mother say : 

A tender mother was she to me, who now is fallen asleep 
in death : and from my earliest years guarded me with 
untiring love and ceaselessly watchful interest. Many a 
sleepless night and many an anxious day have been passed 
by her on my account. Would that it had been vouchsafed 
to me to testify unto her for yet many years that I am not 
ungrateful for all this devotion : I had esteemed it a 
precious privilege to show her unbounded love and venera- 
tion, to have brought happiness in every guise and manner, 
and so recompense her to some degree for that constant 
care and unquestioning self-sacrifice which marked her 



88 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

abiding love for me, her child. But alas, it is not to be so : 
death has removed her from us and the untiring eyes are 
still, the active form is fettered now by perfect repose. 
{Then conclude " Yea, Almighty Father " p. 90.) 

On the Death of a Husband say : 

The departed was my true friend, the faithful companion 
of my life. So happy was I in his love, so blessed in harmony 
with him, wedded at his side. He was all in all to me, in 
him all the joys and plans of my life were centered. His 
tenderness, his thoughtful affection, was a sweet recompense 
to me for many an enjoyment and many a pleasure we had 
to forego. With untiring fidelity and constant endeavor he 
worked for me and our dear ones, and all his hopes and 
undertakings were for us and our augmented happiness or 
comfort. He feared no toil, he dreaded no hardship to 
support us helpless ones in honor and respectability. And 
now his death has shattered the very staff and stay of 
our existence. Alone, deserted I stand, with none to guide 
me on the dark road of my life. Where shall I seek solace ? 
where counsel ? God help me ! I am now a helpless widow 
(and my poor children are fatherless orphans). Who will 
now stand by me and be a friend and counsellor unto me (a 
protector and support unto my children)? My grief and my 
anxiety would overcome me, Lord, did I not set my trust 
in Thee. Thou art the widows' advocate, the orphans' 
father; Thou wilt not forsake me and mine, Thou wilt not 
permit us to be wholly deserted. Thou, in Thy grace, 
wilt ever turn unto us " Thy mercy which is unceasing, Thy 
love which has no end." 

(Then conclude: '* Yea y Almighty Father^ p. 90.) 
On the Death of a Wife say : 

The departed was a noble, gentle, loving helpmate unto 



DEA TH 89 

me. Our hearts were close united in our mutual love, and 
in our mutual devotion and consideration we walked happily 
hand in hand through life. How proud, how happy was I 
in her and with her ! Can I ever forget the joyous days we 
passed in this happy union ? She was the joy and the sun of 
my life, she was to me motive and reward in existence. 
With gentle words she sought to dispel my cares and put 
my troubles to flight; with her clear gaze and loving belief 
in my strength she would strive to help my plans and assist 
my undertakings; with her intelligence and insight she has 
given me many a word of counsel and assistance that was 
most useful unto me. And now all that is over; she has 
withdrawn from the cares of existence and left me wretched 
and alone, with no enjoyment more, with no incentive to 
work, with none to please and none to render happy, as I 
strove to render her happy. Sadness and woe would quite 
unman me, God, my Father, were it not that I have been 
accustomed always to see Thy hand in all life's happenings, 
and to acknowledge Thy grace which is endless, and Thy 
merciful love which endureth for ever. 

{Then conclude: " Yea, Almighty Father" p. 90.) 
At the Death of a Brother or a Sister say: 

The departed was a true-hearted, loving brother (sister) 
to whom the holiest ties of affection strongly bound me. 
Deep is my sorrow for his (her) departure, for inexpres- 
sibly dear, I feel, are the bonds which held us together 
The observing Psalmist tells " how good and how pleasant 
it is for brethren to dwell together in unity " but of this 
exalted happiness, I now no longer can enjoy. Never 
more can the light of his (her) eyes speak to mine in that 
happy regard we felt for each other, never more can the 
reliance we placed upon each other's counsel and strength 



90 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

be felt by us, for the icy hand of death has stilled the pulse 
and closed the eyes, and laid the beloved form low in the 
grave. 

{Then conclude " Yea, Almighty Father,'" as below.) 
A t the Death of a Son or a Daughter say : 

The departed was my dearly beloved child, for whom I 
regretted no care and spared no trouble, to whom I have 
dedicated many an anxious hour by night and many a 
toilsome endeavor by day. All my fondest hopes centered 
in him (her), as with joy I anticipated the time when he 
(she) should be grown to adult estate, and return the love I 
had lavished upon him (her). But now, according to Thy 
mysterious decree, the storm of death has all too soon 
scattered the seed I so carefully tended : my child, who 
promised to be the solace of my latter days, has passed 
away before me. 

Conclusion. 

Yea, Almighty Father, Thou hast chastised me with a 
heavy hand : aid me now to bear my great affliction with 
patience and with resignation. Strengthen within me the 
conviction that all that comes from Thy hand is wise and 
good for us. Pour, O God, the balm of Thy consolation 
into the wounds which bleed, for Thou art He " who teareth 
but again healeth, Thou smitest and Thou bindest up 
again " 

As for the departed, I beseech Thee to receive him (her) 
in Thy kingdom to taste abundantly of the joys Thou hast 
reserved for the life which is eternal. Remember unto him 
(her) in Thy abundant mercy, all the good he (she) has done 
on earth, the happiness shed, the comfort shown and the 
love and affection demonstrated, and may it please Thee to 
graciously pardon all his (her) shortcomings and human 



DEATH 91 

frailties. Let the mortal remains of the deceased rest 
undisturbed in the grave where we have laid them ; receive 
the soul into the covenant of everlasting peace and life 
without end. And cause me to be ever mindful thus of the 
fleetingness of earthly existence ; so teach me to number my 
days that I may get me a heart of understanding. Let me 
always bear in mind the hour that is coming, when I must 
depart from earth, that I may not be unprepared when 
death shall overtake me. Let the rabbi's words sink deep 
into my mind : " Remember three things and thou shalt not 
fall a prey to sin : whence thou comest, whither thou goest, 
and the account thou shalt have to render at the end.* 
Into Thy hands I commit myself all the days of my life, 
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer, Amen. 

Psalm XVI. 
Preserve me, O God, for in Thee do I put my trust. I 
have said unto the Lord : u Thou art my Lord ; I have no 
good beyond Thee ! " I will be of them who are the holy 
ones of earth : of the excellent ones in whom is all my 
delight. Their sorrows will multiply who exchange the Lord 
for another god : let me not offer their impure libations, nor 
take their names upon my lips. The Lord is the portion of 
mine inheritance and of my cup : Thou maintainest my lot. 
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places, yea, I have 
a goodly heritage. I will bless the Lord who hath given me 
counsel, my thoughts instruct me in the night seasons. So 
I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my 
right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is 
glad and my glory rejoiceth : even my flesh shall dwell in 
safety. For Thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave, nor 
suffer Thy holy one to see corruption. Thou wilt show me 
the path of life : in Thy presence is fulness of joy : in Thy 
right hand are pleasures for evermore. 



92 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

Public Prayers at the House of Mourning. 

The following verses are to be read by the Minister and those present 
in alternate responses : 

M. May the Lord of Hosts be with us, may the God of 
Jacob be our refuge ! 

Lord of Hosts, happy is the man who trusteth in Thee 1 
M. Lord, save us : answer us, O King, when we call ! 

1 will lay me down in peace and sleep : for Thou, O 
Lord, alone canst make me dwell in safety. 

M. Thou wilt show me the path of life, fulness of joy 
in Thy presence, everlasting happiness at Thy right hand. 

In the daytime the Lord displays His loving-kindness ; 
and in the night His praise is with me, my prayer to the God 
of my life. 

M. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, for 
He is their strength in the time of their affliction. 

The Lord helpeth them, the Lord delivereth them ; yea, 
He delivereth them and saveth them because they confide 
in Him . 

M. Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, u Lord, 
hear my prayer !" 

Lord, hear my prayer, hearken to the voice of my 
supplications. 

M. If Thou, O Lord, shouldst mark transgression, Lord, 
who shall stand ? 

But there is forgiveness with Thee that Thou mayest be 
lovingly feared. 

M. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and for His 
word do I hope. 

My soul looketh for the Lord more than the watchmen for 
the morning ; yea, more than they watch for the morning dawn. 

M. O Israel, hope in the Lord, for with Him there is 
mercy, with Him is plenteous salvation. Amen. 

Then say the Evening Service, 



DEA TH 93 

After the usual Evening Service, say one of the following Psalms. 

I. 
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. In pastures 
of tender grass He causeth me to lie down, beside the still 
waters He leadeth me. He refresheth my soul, He leadeth 
me in right paths, for His name's sake. Even though I 
walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, 
for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort 
me. Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine 
adversaries ; anointing my head with oil ; my cup runneth 
over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the 
days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord 
for evermore, Amen. {Psalm xxiti.) 

II. 

" In Thee,, O Lord, do I put my trust : let me never be 
ashamed, but deliver me in Thy righteousness. Bow down 
Thine ear unto me, deliver me speedily, be Thou to me a 
strong rock, a house of defence to save me. For Thou hast 
always been my rock and my fortress : for Thy name's sake 
lead me and guide me. Into Thy hand I commend my 
spirit : Thou hast redeemed me, Lord, Thou God of truth ! 
Let me be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy, for Thou hast 
seen my affliction : Thou hast known my soul's adversities. 
O how great is Thy goodness which Thou hast laid up for 
them that fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for them 
that put their trust in Thee in the sight of the sons of men ! 
O love the Lord, all ye His saints : the Lord preserveth the 
faithful and plentifully rewardeth the exultant doer : be 
strong and of good courage and let your heart find inspira- 
tion, all ye that wait for the Lord. Amen. {Psalm xxxi.) 

III. 

" I have said, I will take heed unto my ways, that I sin 
not with my tongue : I will keep my mouth as with a bridle. 



94 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER BOOK 

So I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, complaining 
not of others' good, while my sorrow was stirred 
My heart burned hot within me, while I was musing 
the fire kindled : then spake I with my tongue : ' Lord, 
make me to know mine end, and the measure of my 
days, what it is : let me know how frail I am. Behold, 
Thou hast made my days as handbreadths, and mine 
age is nothing before Thee : surely man, even man at his 
best estate, is altogether vanity. Surely every man 
walketh in a vain show : surely they disquiet themselves 
for naught. He heapeth up riches and knoweth not 
who shall get them. And now, Lord, what wait I for ? My 
hope is in Thee. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear 
unto my cry, be not quiet at my tears. For I am a stranger 
with Thee, a sojourner as all my fathers were. O spare me 
yet, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and am 
no more." Amen. (Psalm xxxix.) 

IV. 

" Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me : 
for my soul taketh refuge in Thee. Yea, in the shadow of 
Thy wings will I take refuge until these calamities be over- 
past. I will cry unto God, Most High, unto God who per- 
formeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven and 
save me, when that which would swallow me up doth 
threaten. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth^ 
My heart is firm, O God, my heart is firm. I will sing; yea s 
I will sing praises Awake, my glory, awake harp and 
psaltery ; I will awake the dawn itself. I will give thanks 
unto Thee, O Lord, among the peoples, I will sing praises 
unto Thee among the nations. For Thy mercy is great 
unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the skies. Be Thou 
exalted, O God, above the heavens : let Thy glory be above 
all the earth." Amen. (Psalm Ivii.) 



DEA TH 95 

V. 

" I will cry unto God with my voice, even unto God with 
my voice, and He will give ear unto me. In the day of my 
trouble I seek the Lord, my hand is stretched out unceas- 
ingly in the night, my soul refuseth to be comforted. I 
think of God and am disquieted ; I complain and my spirit 
is overwhelmed. Thou holdest mine eyes with watching, I 
am so troubled I cannot speak. I call to remembrance my 
song in the night : I commune with mine own heart, and 
my spirit maketh diligent search. Will the Lord cast me 
off for ever ? And will He be favorable no more ? Is His 
mercy quite gone for ever ? Doth His promise fail now for 
all time ? Hath God forgotten to be gracious, hath He in 
anger shut up His tender mercies ? But I say all this in 
my infirmity. Let me only call to mind the years when the 
right hand of the Most High was revealed: let me but 
recall the deeds of the Lord, and remember Thy wonders 
of old. Let me meditate also upon all Thy works, and 
muse upon Thy doings : then I perceive Thy way, O God, 
is holiness ; and who is great like unto Thee ? {Psalm 
Ixxvii.) 

After the Psalm, a prayer may be inserted appropriate to the circum- 
stances. Then conclude with the following : 

The Sanctification of God. ("Kaddish.") 

{English Paraphrase. ) 
"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the 
name of the Lord !" ( Job z. 21.) 

Yea, blessed and hallowed be the great name 
of God. Amen. 

In all the world's wide changes His will rules, for 
He is sole Creator. In our lives' careers, in our daily 
happenings, in all the events of the universe, His decree 
obtains and His wisdom decides ; and for us remains but to 



96 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

say Amen, His will be done, hallowed be His name ! 
May His sole rule be recognized and praised by all 

MANKIND ! 

Yea, glorified and exalted shall be the name of the Most 
Holy One, whose being transcends in majesty all praises 
that His creatures can utter. Amen. 

For the dead who have been called from this life, and 
have entered that which is beyond, let us pray for God's 
gracious judgment, perfect peace and abounding love. 
Amen. 

For the living, let us hope that trials and visitations 
shall fill them with resignation and humility, bringing bless- 
ing to them and those who mourn with them. Amen. 

May He whose whole wide world exhibits peace, order 
and happiness, send peace of mind, comfort and consola- 
tion unto us and to all Israel. Amen. 

ii. Meditation at the Cemetery. 

Reverently I enter the place of long repose where all 
these little mounds tell of slumber to tired existence : soon 
shall I come hither never more to depart, and my bones too 
shall come to rest beneath just such a silent, peaceful hillock. 
And I shall not fear when the hour strikes for my arrival 
here : I shall have done with care and anxiety, with sorrow 
and with mourning. This is the portal through which I 
shall pass to meet those dear ones gone before me. 

But it is not my soul with its thoughts and its emotions 
that here shall slumber : if with the light of the eyes also 
the light of immortal glory were to be extinguished, then 
indeed were death a frightful event and dissolution a most 
appalling fate. Then earth would be a vale of shadows and 
a joyless desert : heaven were but a dream and virtue a 
vain illusion. Yes, if the soul were not immortal, my whole 
life would be an endless misery. I should feel myself sur- 



DEA TH 97 

rounded always as with the pall of night : my heart would 
be filled with despair, and no outlet to life but vanity and 
emptiness to all things. The words and caresses of love 
would be torture, the hand of a friend would carry a 
dagger, for ever present would be the thought that all too 
soon the sweet communion would be followed by a frightful, 
lasting, unending separation. But follow not out, my soul, 
the bitter results and effects of such reflections. I 
discern and believe that God hath created me immortal, that 
my life extends far beyond the grave, that I am immortal in 
the Creator, the ever living God of heaven and earth. How 
could it be possible that our nobler parts, how could men 
believe it ever or calmly state it, that our immortal parts, 
our thinking, loving, earnest, energetic will, should dry up 
and disappear as does the moisture of our bones, or fall 
to atoms as do the elements of our flesh. Can the 
God of love, the God of eternal love, prepare such an end 
for His human children, and bring them on earth simply to 
lead them to annihilation and nonentity ? 

I fear thee not, illusory death. Not for me canst thou 
embitter life's joys and pleasures with thy suggestions of 
extinction and cessation. Thou art but slumber to the 
weary, peace unto the harassed, the shelter of the innocent. 
Thou canst not terrify me for a moment, when I gaze upon 
the glittering hosts of the star-lit skies, or marvel at the 
beauty and perfection of the details of God's wondrous 
creation, still less when I recall the glorious words of 
revelation and promise. Insignificant amid it all as I am, 
magnificent and sublime as is the Creator of all, yet He 
made me too and I am His, and when He shall free me 
from the shackles of earth it will be to raise me to the 
realms of bliss about Him. 

Every tombstone is thus to me the triumphal monument 
of immortal souls, and in this " God's acre " the soul may 



9 8 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

gather the richest inspiration for its brightest ideals and 
most blissful hopes. The mound which is reared over the 
ashes of my dear one is the altar at which I send aloft high 
prayer and thanksgiving to the throne of grace. Not as yet 
am I permitted to cross the threshold of the inner sanctuary, 
to see the peace of God and to hear the halleluyahs of the 
heavenly choirs. But when I shall have breathed my last 
breath, and my soul shall leave its earthly tenement — then 
my free and untrammeled soul will enter the assembly of the 
immortals, and the stream of endless salvation will refresh 
my languishing, and wearied spirit. Gifted then with new 
senses, with keener sight, with an unshackled mind, and with 
lofty, exalted thoughts to animate me, the whole extent and 
greatness of Thy works, O God, shall be clear to me. The 
light from Thy divine countenance illumines the immeasur- 
able space of the universe, and the brightness of creation is 
but the halo of Thy glory. I feel Thy presence, beneficent 
Ruler, and its overwhelming greatness draws my soul on 
high to Thee. 

And as I stand beside these silent graves, my thoughts 
pass then to you, departed souls, whose bodies lie mingling 
with the dust at my feet. Strange to me are the names on 
many of these stones: who were ye when ye dwelt in this 
world of life ? Were your hearts as restless in life as mine 
often is ? Did the world seem at times, to you as well, so 
empty, so insufficient, so unsatisfactory ? Now ye dwell in 
the kingdom of God which is without fault or flaw or imper- 
fection, but time was when ye were but what I am, and ye 
teach me that the time will come when I shall be what you 
are now. Wherever I turn my eyes in this solemn " God's 
acre," I see indications of the vanity and frailty of all 
human things. The bones of the rich and poor lie here in 
the same soil; the esteemed and the despised of men decay 
equally as fast: what then remains of all their wealth, strength 



DEATH 99 

and proud distinction, their dignity and their beauty too ? 
Slow corroding skeletons, turning gradually to dust and 
ashes. 

But man's nobler part, his immortal soul, with its know- 
ledge and its aspirations, that cannot be imprisoned in the 
earth, and the clods cannot hold that down to decay and 
mouldering. Freed from the restraints of the body it rises 
to the God who gave it, to harvest there what it has sown 
below, to receive the reward and the fruits of its deeds, 
whether good or evil they. 

Teach me then, Lord Almighty, to know the value of 
my soul with which Thou hast honored me. My Father! 
why does my heart so often forget this, Thy noblest gift to 
our race ? forget immortality, this precious and imperishable 
hope ? When sin allures me, when labor wearies me, when 
struggles afflict me, persecution oppresses me, and pain and 
suffering rack me; when life is bitter, and death displays its 
dark mysteries, then, Father, do Thou recall the remem- 
brance of Thine own eternity; strengthen me that I may pass 
all my days in virtue and happiness, and thus in the furrows 
of time sow seeds that are destined for the harvest which is 
eternal. Amen. 

12. At the grave of a Father. 
Here where the mortal remains of my dear father were 
laid, let me consecrate sorrowful thoughts and tender 
reminiscences to his blessed memory* Now that he is lost 
to me, I recognize fully what a precious treasure of love he 
was to me in life. The true guide of my youthful years, my 
leader and my counselor in everything that was upright and 
honorable, he devoted himself with wise foresight and 
prudence, to the proper development of all my powers, 
physical and mental. He labored and bore fatigue and 
stress, yea, cheerfully took upon himseli the burden and 



100 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

the struggle of life, in order to win and to secure for his 
child pleasure and comfort. When I remember thee, good 
father, my eyes well up with tears and my heart is full of 
love and mingled woe. But what avails my love and what 
my sorrow? They can bring to thee no joys or happiness 
now, that thou art removed from all earthly wants and 
desires. But the practices of charity and well-doing of 
every species, are divine joys which every child can offer to 
its sainted parents, and joys such as these I will give to thee 
by the performance of deeds of piety and loyalty in thy 
name and in thy spirit. Let this be the welcome offering to 
lay upon the altar of thy memory and may God graciously 
record it in His book to thy salvation and thy bliss. 

Lord of heaven and earth, Arbiter of our fates, as in 
paternal affection, my father left his love to cheer my life 
and memory, so do I in filial devotion bless his cherished 
recollection. Do Thou too remember him unto favor and 
mercy : remember in his behalf every deed of kindness, 
every act of piety performed by him and every work or word 
of charity and forbearance. Pardon him graciously for all 
his earthly failings and human short-comings, Let his 
sufferings in life and at death, let all he bore and endured 
here below, be now mercifully remembered before Thee, 
my God, and let him have share and portion in Thine eternal 
salvation, Thy peace and endless bliss in Thy presence, 
Amen. 

13. At the grave of a Mother. 

Here at this silent mound, where thou, beloved mother, 
dost slumber peacefully in death, will I pray to God for 
thee, who wert my truest friend, my teacher and my guide. 
Before my mind's eye there rises again thy treasured earthly 
image, and with fond sadness I recall thy gentle being that 
never shall fade from memory's page. Here will I record 



DEA Til 101 

my resolution and my vow to live in accordance with thy 
precepts and counsel, and walk in the paths which thy 
motherly admonitions always pointed out. 

I know full well that all that lies beneath this knoll is 
dust and ashes, that thy true and real being has risen on 
high, and that thence thine eye looks down upon me, as 
much thy child now as aforetime : wherever I may be that 
same benignant gaze doth follow me. But especially in this 
place I feel I am nearer to thee : when 1 touch this earth 
that touches thee, my tears fall upon this mound as they 
were wont to fall upon thy faithful form. 

My God, standing upon the dust which is so sacred to 
me, I send to Thee my petition on high for my mother's 
peace and eternal happiness Receive her kindly whose 
heart was full of warm motherly love, and shelter her in the 
realms of Thy protection. In her tenderness and gentle- 
ness she never weighed the cares she bore, nor counted the 
sufferings she endured for the good and happiness of her 
children. Reckon Thou not, therefore, against her the sins 
and failings she, a weak mortal, perhaps was guilty of. As 
she lavished the full extent of blessing and affection over 
each child, so do Thou, in Thy mercy, adorn her brow as 
with a regal crown of glory, in return for her devotion. Let 
that love which was so richly mine still follow me : let her 
be a zealous advocate for me and mine at the bar of Thy 
justice, that she may beseech Thee to aid us with Thy love 
and strength, and lead us with gentle hand through this vale 
of earth, until my soul too shall enter upon eternal rest and 
communion unabated with the beloved who have gone 
before. Amen. 

14. At the Grave of a Child. 

God of love, with saddened heart I stand here at the grave 
of my child ; be not wroth with me that my grief prevails. 



102 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER BOOK 

Was there ever a father or a mother that could stand un- 
moved and with altogether tearless eye at the little grave 
where rests their offspring ? Nay, the love which Thou 
Thyself hast implanted in our hearts is too great to permit 
it, and I weep because I must. 

My beloved child, I had set strong hopes on thee, trust- 
ing to trarin thee in the fear of God, and all my plans and 
projects in thee were centred And now, in vain I call 
thy name, thou dost never respond, and a portion of my 
heart is buried in the earth with thee. It has been torn 
from me. No more will thy caresses soothe and calm me, 
thy silent grave is all we have to remind us of what once 
thou wert unto us. 

And these expressions of my grief are not reproaches 
against God's will and providence : they are but the utter- 
ances of my love for thee, so deeply seated in my being by 
His beneficent and wondrous power. Thou, O God, wilt 
forgive them : Thou didst bestow this child upon me 
Thou didst also take it from me again. Aye, it was 
my Father's will that so ordained, and He decrees all things 
for the welfare and the advantage of His earthly children: 
how then dare I murmur ? My beloved child has been 
spared the struggles and conflicts of life. I know that the 
soul of my beloved one hath entered its eternal heavenly 
abode, and will be happier there than ever on earth. Should 
not this be a stay and a solace unto me in my affliction ? 
I confidently believe, moreover, that God will in His own 
good time reunite me with my child, and this sweet hope 
sustains me and strengthens me for the duties yet before 
me, before I rejoin thee in futurity. Amen. 

15. At the Grave of a Husband or Wife. 

By the grave of thy mortal remains I stand, beloved one, 
and my grieving memory bids the tears rise in my eyes as I 



DBA TH 103 

think of thee. How joyous and how beautiful was life to 
me, when thou wert at my side, and didst share my pleasures 
and my sorrows, sweetening my days with thy gentle sym- 
pathy. A loving look from thine eyes was sufficient to 
cheer me ; all labor seemed easy to me and all burdens 
seemed lightened so long as they were undergone for thy 
sweet sake. And shall I not mourn and weep for the 
faithful companion of my days, the true helpmate of my 
life ? In his (her) love I found the unalloyed happiness of 
this existence ; all my hopes and desires were closely inter- 
woven with his (hers). All my endeavors were directed 
towards securing his (her) welfare. The mainspring of my 
activity, he (she) inspired all my good and praiseworthy 
undertakings, and in all things was the confidant of my 
heart. Many a wish did he (she) fulfil ere it had passed 
my lips, and it was sweet to me to read his (her) desires 
before they were expressed, and gratify them. One in heart 
and one in soul, joy and pain were common possessions, and 
the smiles and the tears of one of us found reflection in the 
mood of the other. It was thus the days wore on, and each 
successive one served but to strengthen us and to sweeten 
our union. 

God of justice, how hast Thou severed this and taken 
him (her) from me ? Why hast Thou destined me to stand 
alone and solitary in life's desert ? Him (her) whom I loved 
so dearly Thou hast called away to purer joys and nobler 
life ; I am as forlorn and forsaken, deserted on the face 
of the earth. At all times, in all places, I sorely miss my 
beloved one, and all things do but painfully recall my loss. 
What pain in life can equal this constant torture of separation. 
What sacrifice demanded of us here below can equal such 
bereavement? All the wealth and pomp of rank and human 
honors and distinctions, sink into nothingness when love is 
dead and a beloved heart that shared them beats no more. 



104 THE JE WISH HOME ERA YER BOOK 

Yet I fear it is naught but selfishness to wish to reclaim 
thee from heaven, my loved one, and alloy thy felicity with 
my misery. Forgive me, Lord, that I do utter these my 
plaints; patiently must I accept this sorrow, this separation 
as Thy decree. Although not always may we discern the 
benevolent hand of the Creator in the happenings of our 
lives, yet we know that wisdom and love rule all dispensa- 
tions, that all are parts of the same wise and loving plan, 
and in the fulness of time, beyond the veil of mortality, all 
shall yet be made clear to us. 

Therefore I will not reason with my heavenly Father on 
the annihilation of my domestic happiness, and the de- 
struction of all my beautiful hopes in life. O Lord? 
raise up my broken spirit that here cowers beneath Thy will, 
and instil into it resignation and peace that I may never lose 
Thee out of my heart and soul. The Lord gave him (her) 
to me, the Lord hath taken him (her) away; still blessed be 
the name of the Lord. It was Thy favor placed this 
precious fountain of love by the side of my path in life, 
refreshing me all my days. Were it not blasphemy of Thy 
love and deep ingratitude to forget this, now that Thou hast 
willed I shall enjoy it no more ? Yes, even through all my 
grief, my Father, I thank Thee for it, I thank Thee for it 
all a thousand times. 

And thou, sanctified spirit, vouchsafe to me thy guidance 
through life. When terror seizes me in my loneliness, 
do thou whisper heavenly peace to me. Strengthen my 
love for all that is pure and noble; lend me courage to 
combat sin, and mayest thou soon lead me to a peaceful 
home with thee above. Meanwhile, descend and live among 
us, inspiring us with thy love and thy blessing. We shall 
meet again, and rejoice with a joy that is perfect and without 
end Separated are we, but not parted; thou hast but 
entered the home of heavenly rest before me, but on the 



DEA TH 105 

morrow of the new life we shall greet each other again, 
wiser, better, worthier, than ever we were in this imperfect 
life. The hope of this meeting links the present with the 
future, links earth and heaven, and the hope we set in God 
will surely never fail. Amen. 

1 6. At the Grave of a Brother, Sister or Friend. 
By thy grave I stand, beloved one, and my thoughts are 
with the " holy ones who are in the earth." The place 
where thy mortal body was bedded to its eternal sleep is the 
best spot I can choose to turn my thoughts to thee, for 
though it reminds me that thy form is no longer to be found 
among us, it warns me that thy better part was not buried 
here, but before that, had left this mortal scene for the 
realms beyond. So from this spot put I my prayer up to 
God, our Father, that He shall bless thee and recompense 
thee, and assign thee to the sweet company of dear ones 
gone before. I pray that thy love and favor shall still 
shine upon those thou has left, for such love as thine can 
not fade when the body fades, such devotion as thou didst 
show will not cease because the clay has covered the earthly 
shell of thy former being. And I am sure, that as my 
prayer for thy welfare ascends to God : that as my yearning 
wishes take the shape that all the happiness that is possible 
in thy new translated sphere, shall be in richest measure 
vouchsafed unto thee, so too thou, of the fulness of thy love 
for all thy dear ones, dost desire that earth's joys shall 
be mine and all of ours who survive thee. May it be so 
indeed, and chief part in them shall be the consciousness 
that it is well with thee who hast left us. Be then our 
guardian angel ; thine be the loving task to ward off unseen, 
unsuspected evil : thine the duty of prompting good resolu- 
tions and of strengthening them to fruition ; thine the 
watchful care of warning us against all ignoble impulses 



106 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

and rallying our better nature to their defeat. For with the 
eye of the spirit, thou canst surely see these things more 
clearly : motives, aims and results alike to thee must be 
revealed ; then do thou in thine accustomed love for us, 
guide and guard us faithfully. And in the years that come, 
the recollection of thy love for us, while God did bless us 
with thee, shall be enhanced by the belief that thou still dost 
actively and with interest, follow our fortunes, to bless, to 
prosper and to advance them. Amen. 



ETHICAL READINGS 107 

SELECTIONS FROM THE 

"SAYINGS OF THE FATHERS." 



Prefatory Remarks. 
The Sayings of the Fathers, Pirke Aboth, of which a 
selection is given here, form a book of the Mishnah, the 
codex in which the previously existing treatises on the 
traditional teachings of Judaism were compiled by Rabbi 
Judah Hannassi (the Prince) who lived one hundred and 
twenty years after the destruction of Jerusalem by the 
Romans, or about 190 of the common era. This book is a 
collection of the maxims on the religious and ethical conduct 
of life, which were habitually in the mouth of our most 
celebrated sages of ancient time, as the epitomes of their 
varied experience.- It is probably the most classical and at 
the same time the most popular treatise on practical ethics 
extant among us. The compilers of the Jewish liturgy have 
therefore designated it as a book of instruction for the Sab- 
bath afternoon ; — for the Israelite's leisure moments and 
hours of repose from labor are to be given to the gaining of 
such knowledge, as well as to devotion. 

Chapter I m 

1. Moses received the Law on Sinai and delivered it to 
Joshua, Joshua in turn handed it down to the elders; from 
the elders it descended to the prophets, from them to the 
men of the Great Assembly.* The last-named originated 
three maxims : Be not hasty in judging ; gather many 
disciples around thee ; and erect safeguards for the Law. 

2. The motto of Simon the Just was : The order of the 
world rests upon three things: on law, on worship and on 
charity. 

* This was the name given to the highest religious Council among the Jews, 
which governed the nation after its return from the Babylonian captivity. 



3 08 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

3. Antigonos of Socho was in the habit of saying : Be 
not like slaves who serve their master for the sake of the 
compensation ; be like such servants as labor for their master 
without reward. 

4 Jose ben Joezer, of Zereda, was wont to say, Let thy 
house be the meeting-place of the wise : sit gladly at their 
feet, and drink in their words with avidity. 

5. Jose ben Jochanan, of Jerusalem, was in the habit of 
saying : — Let thy house be so wide open that the poor may 
enter it as were they inmates there. 

6 Joshua ben Perachya said : — Get thee a wise teacher, 
win a comrade, and judge every man from his favorable 
side. 

7. Nitai of Arbela was accustomed to say : — Keep aloof 
from a wicked neighbor. Associate not with a sinner. 
Never consider thyself exempt from God's chastisement. 

8. Shemayah was in the habit of saying : —Love work ; 
seek not to lord it over others; thrust not thyself upon the 
society of the great. 

9. Hillel said : Be a disciple of Aaron, love peace, 
pursue peace ; love all men too, and bring them nigh unto 
the Law. 

10. He also was fond of remarking : — He who runs 
after fame will find that it flies from him. Not to grow in 
knowledge is to decay therein ; not to acquire wisdom when 
we may, is to sin against our soul. To boast of learning is 
to detract from it. 

ir. He used to say again : — If I do not look to myself, 
who will do so ? But if I look only to myself, what am I ? 
And if not now, when ? 

12. Shammai was in the habit of saying: — Fix a time 
for study. Promise little and do much. Receive everyone 
with friendly countenance. 

13. Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel was wont to say, All 



ETHICAL READINGS 109 

the days of my life have been passed among sages, and 
I have never found anything better for man than — silence ! 
Also, that not research, but practise, is of the most import- 
ance. He who talks much, can not avoid sin. 

14. He also said, Three things support the world, truth, 
law, and peace: as the Scripture hints, " Execute the 
judgment of truth and peace in your gates." (Zechariah 
vizi, 16. 

Chapter II. 

1. Rabbi Judah, the Prince, was in the habit of sayings 
In choosing the right path see that it is one which is honor- 
able to thyself and without offence to others. Be as scrupu- 
lous about the lightest command as about the weightiest, for 
no man knoweth the result of his. actions. Weigh the present 
temporal disadvantages of a dutiful course against the reward 
of the future, and the present desirable fruits of a sinful 
deed against the injury to thine immortal soul. In general, 
consider three things and thou wilt never fall into sin : 
remember that there is above thee an all-seeing eye, an 
all-hearing ear, and a record of alL thine actions. 

2. Rabban Gamaliel, the son of the Prince, Rabbi Judah, 
was wont to say: Beautiful is the study of the Law when 
conjoined with a worldly avocation, for the efforts: demanded 
by both stifle all inclination to sin. But all study, to the 
neglect of the means of gaining an independent livelihood is 
vanity, and may lead to iniquity. All who occupy them- 
selves with communal affairs should do it in the name of 
God. 

3. Hillel was in the habit of saying: Do not isolate 
thyself from the community and its interests. Do not rely 
upon thy spiritual strength until the day of thy death. Pass 
not judgment upon thy neighbor until thou hast put thyself 
in his place. Say never, Sometime or other, when I enjoy 



110 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

leisure, I will attend to my spiritual advancement ; perhaps 
thou wilt then never have the leisure. 

4. He also said : The boor can never be religious, the 
ignorant can never be truly pious. Whoso is ashamed to 
ask will never learn ; no passionate man can be a teacher. 
He whose mind is given to worldly gain will not grow in 
wisdom. Where a man is needed, be thou the man. 

5. He, furthermore, said : The more feasting, the more 
food for worms ; the more wealth, the more cares. But the 
more knowledge, the more food for life ; the more study, the 
more wisdom ; the more reflection, the better the counsel ; 
the more charity, the more peace. He who earns a good 
name gains something that can never be taken away. 

6. Rabbi Jochanan ben Zakkai used to say : If thou 
hast learned much, do not boast of it, for it is for that that 
thou wert created. 

7. Rabbi Jochanan ben Zakkai had the following five 
disciples : Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrkanos, R. Joshua ben 
Chananyah, R. Jose Haccohen, R. Simeon ben Nathaniel, 
and R. Elazar ben Arach. He said to them once : " Go 
forth and find out what is the best thing to cultivate." 
R. Eliezer said : A generous eye. R. Joshua said : A 
loyal friend. R. Jose said : A good neighbor. R. Simeon 
thought prudence and foresight. R. Elazar said : A good 
heart. Thereupon, R. Jochanan said : " I consider R. 
Elazar ben Arach's judgment the best, for in his all of yours 
are included/' 

8. Each of these disciples had three maxims. Rabbi 
Eliezer said : Thy fellowman's honor must be as dear to 
thee as thine own. Do not allow thyself to be easily angered. 
Repent one day before thy death. 

9. Rabbi Joshua said : An envious eye, sinful propensi- 
ties and misanthropy rob life of its pleasure and value. 

10. Rabbi Jose used to say : Thy neighbor's property 



ETHICAL READINGS 111 

must be as sacred as thine own. Let noble purpose under- 
lie thine every action. 

ii. Rabbi Simeon used to say : Be particular in perform- 
ing thy devotions at the proper time. Do not look upon 
prayer as a meaningless, obligatory task, but as a voluntary 
offering to God's mercy and grace. Never think thyself too 
great a sinner to approach Him. 

12. Rabbi Elazar was accustomed to say : Be most zeal- 
ous in the pursuit of study ; be prepared always to answer 
a scoffer; remember in whose service thou laborest and who 
is thy Master that will recompense thee for thy work. 

13. Rabbi Tryphon was in the habit of saying : The 
day is short, the work is great, the workmen are slothful, 
the reward is rich, and the Master is urgent. He also said : 
It is not incumbent on thee to complete the whole task, but 
thou art not at liberty therefore to neglect it entirely. 

Chapter III. 

1. Rabbi Chaninah, an assistant of the high priest, said: 
Pray for the welfare of the government; were it not for the 
fear of it, men would swallow each other alive. 

2. Rabbi Eliezer of Bartota said : Render unto God what 
belongs to Him, for thou and all thou hast are His. As 
David said: " For all things come of Thee, and of Thine 
own have we given Thee " ( 1 Chronicles xxix. 14.) 

3. Rabbi Chaninah ben Dosa said: — He with whom the 
fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, his wisdom will 
endure. Likewise, he who is zealous in good works rather 
than in learning will also endure. 

4. He also said: He who has earned man's esteem and 
love, will also receive the favor of heaven; but he who is 
not worthy of such esteem, cannot expect to find favor 
with God. 

5. Rabbi Dosa ben Hyrkanos said : Sleeping away the 



112 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

morning, carousing at noonday, childish trifling and the 
company of the vulgar, waste a man's life away. 

6. Rabbi Akiba said : Mockery and frivolity are the 
forerunners of immorality. Tradition is the rampart about 
the law, tithes (charity) are the rampart of wealth; good 
resolutions are the preservative of abstinence, and the safe- 
guard of wisdom is — silence. 

7. He also said : Everything is known to God, but man 
is a free agent; he is judged for his good, according to the 
quality of his acts. All that we possess is merely a trust, 
and over all life a net is spread out, The storehouse is 
open, the proprietor sells on credit; the ledger lies ready 
and the purchaser's hand makes the entry; whoever wishes 
may come and borrow, but the collectors are continually 
going the rounds of the debtors, and obtain payment from 
them voluntarily or involuntarily; they know whereupon 
they base their claims, and their court is a tribunal of 
justice. 

8. Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah was wont to say : Without 
religion there can be no true culture, and without true 
culture there is no religion. Where there is no wisdom, 
there is no fear of God; and without fear of God there is no 
wisdom. Without learning there can be no counsel, and 
without counsel, there will be lack of learning. Where 
there is a dearth of bread, culture can not thrive, and lack of 
culture causes dearth of bread. 

9. He also used to say: With what is he to be compared 
who can boast of more learning than charitable deeds ? 
With a tree of many branches and but few roots, — there 
comes a storm, plucks it up and prostrates it. Thus it is 
said in the Scriptures (Jeremiah xvii, 6) : u For he shall be 
like a tamarisk in the desert, and shall not see when good 
cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilder- 
ness, a salt land and not inhabited. " But what does he 






ETHICAL READINGS 113 

resemble who can show more deeds than learning ? A tree 
of few branches and many roots, — all the storms and winds 
may bear down and rage upon it, they can not move it from 
its place. Thus it is also written ( Jeremiah xvii. 8 :) " He 
shall be a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth 
out his roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat 
cometh, but his leaf shall be green; he shall not be anxious 
in the years of drought, neither shall he cease from bearing 
fruit." 

Chapter IV. 

i. Ben Zoma was in the habit of saying : Who is a wise 
man ? He who learns from everybody. For thus it is 
written [Psalm cxix. 99) : " From all, who could teach me, 
I have sought to learn." — Who is a hero ? He who con- 
quers his passions ; thus the Scriptures say [Proverbs xvi. 32): 
''He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he 
that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." — Who is a 
rich man ? He who is satisfied with his lot ; for thus it is 
said [Psalms cxxviiL 2) : " For thou shalt eat the labor of 
thine hands : happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with 
thee !" Happy shalt thou be ! in this world ; it shall be 
well with thee ! in the world to come. — Who is honored ? 
He who honors his fellowmen ; for thus it is written (1 
Samuel ii. 30) : " Them that honor me I will honor, and 
they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." 

2. Ben Azai was in the habit of saying : Be zealous in 
the practice of the slightest virtue, and flee from all manner 
of sin ; for one virtue brings another in its wake, and one 
iniquity is followed by others ; for the reward of virtue is 
virtue itself, and sin is requited with sin. — He likewise said : 
Despise no man, and consider nothing as too far-removed to 
come to pass ; for there is no man but hath his day, and no 
event that may not come. 



114 THE JEWISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

3. Rabbi Zadok was in the habit of saying ; Wear not 
the law of God as a crown to exalt thyself withal, nor use 
it as a spade to dig therewith (for wealth). He who makes 
use of his learning in the Law to further his own selfish 
ends, loses all merit. 

4. Rabbi Simeon was wont to say: There are three crowns 
— the crown of the Law, the crown of the priesthood, and 
the crown of royalty. But the crown of a fair name 
excelleth them all. 

5. Rabbi Matithya ben Cheresh was in the habit of say- 
ing : Give every man a friendly greeting ! Be the lions* 
tail rather than the foxes' head ! 

6. Rabbi Jacob said : This world is, as it were, the ante- 
chamber of the world hereafter; prepare thyself in the ante- 
chamber that thou mayest be admitted into the banqueting 
hall ! 

7. Rabbi Simeon ben Elazar was accustomed to say : 
Attempt not to soothe thy neighbor in the heat of his anger; 
obtrude not thyself upon him when his grief is fresh; keep 
him not too strictly to a hasty vow, and rush not to see him 
in the hour of his downfall. 

8. Elisha ben Abuyah said : Learn early in life, for then 
memory is as a clean page whereon it is easy to write; learn- 
ing in later years is like writing on paper that is already 
covered with writing. 

9. Rabbi Jose ben Jehudah, from the village of Babli, 
said : Whom does he resemble who learns from the young ? 
Him who eats unripe grapes and drinks the wine fresh from 
the wine-press ! But whom does he resemble who learns 
from old men ? Him who eats ripe grapes and drinks old wine. 

10. Rabbi Meir was in the habit of saying : Look not 
upon the pitcher, but upon what it contains. Many a new 
pitcher is full of old wine, and many an old one does not 
even hold new wine. 



ETHICAL READINGS 115 

ii. Rabbi Eliezer Hakkapor said : Envy, sensuality and 
ambition destroy life. 

12. He likewise said : Those born into the world are 
doomed to die; the dead, to live on again, and those who 
enter the eternal life, to be judged. Therefore, let it be 
recognized, understood and remembered, that He, the 
Almighty, the Creator, Architect, He is the counsellor ; He, 
the judge; He, the witness; He, the accuser. He is always 
ready to give judgment : blessed be He ! for, before Him, 
there is no injustice, no oversight, no regard for rank, no 
bribery. Know that all will appear in the account ! Accept 
not the assurance of thy passions, that the grave will be a 
place of refuge for thee. For without thy consent wert thou 
created; wert born into the world without thy choice; thou 
art now living without thine own volition, without thine 
approval thou wilt have to die ; so, likewise, without thy 
consent thou wilt have to render account before the Supreme 
King, the Holy One, blessed be He ! 

Chapter V. 

i. Seven things mark the ignorant and seven there are 
for the sage. The wise man does not speak before those 
who surpass him in wisdom and years; he does not interrupt 
another in his speech ; he does not ask questions rashly ; 
asks with propriety and to the point; speaks first upon the 
matter first in order, and last upon the last; when he does 
not understand the matter under discussion, he confesses 
'I do not understand it'; and admits it when he has been 
convinced. The opposites of these things mark the ignor- 
amus. 

2. Four sets of views are held by men concerning pro- 
perty. He who says : " What belongs to me shall continue 
to be mine and thou shall keep thine own," holds the com- 
mon view. (Some consider this the view of the* men of. 



116 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

Sodom.) " Mine shall be thine and thine shall be mine/' 
thus say the ignorant. u Mine shall be thine and thou shalt 
also keep thine own," thus say the magnanimous. " Thine 
shall be mine and mine shall continue to be mine, ,, are the 
words of the godless. 

3. There are four sorts of dispositions among men. 
Some are easily enraged, but as quickly soothed — there the 
fault is neutralized by the merit. Some are slow to anger, 
but are calmed only with difficulty — there the merit is counter- 
balanced by the fault. One is slow to anger and easily 
pacified, — he is of a gentle disposition. Another is easily 
irritated and hard to soothe, — he is a wicked man. 

4. There are four kinds of pupils : The one understands 
readily but forgets soon; — there the advantage is swallowed 
by the failing. The other grasps but slowly and seldom 
forgets, — there the failing is outweighed by the talent. A 
third understands readily and is slow to forget — his is a 
happy talent. A fourth understands slowly and forgets 
quickly — his is an unfortunate lot. 

5. The charitable are divided into four classes. He 
who gives but does not make others give, is unfriendly to 
the poor; he who makes others give but does not give 
himself, does not make the best use of his own; he who 
gives and makes others give, is called a Chasid (pious man); 
but he who neither gives nor will induce others to give, is a 
cruel man. 

6. There are four classes among the disciples of the 
wise : Sponges, funnel, sieves, and fans. Sponges — suck- 
ing up all things. Funnels — allowing all that is received 
in the one end to flow out at the other. Sieves — letting 
the wine run through and retaining the dregs. Fans — 
blowing off the bran and keeping the flour. 

7. Love inspired by ulterior motives, dies out when that 
motive disappears; but love without such motives never fades. 



ETHICAL READINGS 117 

8. Jehudah b. Tema was in the habit of saying : Be 
courageous as the panther, light- winged as the eagle, swift 
as the deer, and strong as the lion, to execute the will of thy 
heavenly Father ! 

9. Ben Bag-Bag said: Turn it and turn it again (the 
Torah), for everything can be found therein. Study it, get 
old and gray with it, and never depart from it; for there is 
no better gauge of a moral life than —the Torah. 



SELECTIONS FROM 

MEDIEVAL JEWISH WRITERS. 



My son, give God all honor and the gratitude which is 
His due ; for He it is who made thee and brought thee into 
this world. Thou hast need of Him, but He needs thee not. 
Put no trust in thy mere corporeal well-doing here below. 
Many a one hath laid him down to sleep at nightfall, but at 
morn risen not again ; many a one hath gone to his couch 
at night, sound in health and of high cheerfulness, and 
has waked up to agonies and terrors. 

Respect the poor man by gifts whose source he knows not 
of ; and when he eats at thy table gaze not on him too much, 
lest he doubt his welcome ; be not deaf to his beseechings, 
deal not hard words out to him, and give him of thy richest 
food when he sits at meal with thee. When thou prayest, 
be lowly and think thyself nothing before the Almighty, and 
use all thy soul's energy and force to hold in check what 
evil desire there may be in thine heart. Rather feed thyself 
with the poorest weed than make thyself dependent on other 
human beings ; and seek not greedily after power and pre- 
eminence in the world. Be not as the fly that is always 
seeking sore and wounded places ; and tell not of the faults 
and failings of those about thee. Dare not to rejoice when 



118 



THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 



thine enemy comes to the ground ; but give him food when 
he hungers ; be on thy guard lest thou give pain ever to 
the widow and the orphan. Never enter thy house with 
abrupt and startling step, and bear not thyself so that those 
who dwell under thy roof feel dread when in thy presence. 
Purge thy soul of angry passion, that inheritance of fools ; 
love wise men, and strive to know more and more of the 
works and the ways of thy Creator. Forget not that the 
hope of pious souls is that concealed paradise prepared by 
God before the foundations of the world ; that consecrated 
place where pure and holy spirits enter at last into their 
rest. 

No crown carries such royalty with it as doth humility ; 
no monument gives such glory as an unsullied name ; no 
worldly gain can equal that which comes from observing 
God's laws ; the highest sacrifice is a broken and contrite 
heart ; the highest wisdom is that which is found in the law ; 
the noblest of all ornaments is modesty ; the most beautiful 
of all the things man can do is to forgive wrong. 

Do not inquire too curiously concerning the Creator, or 
seek by questionings to know the origin of things ; but see 
that God is never far from thy thoughts ; forget not what 
He has done for thee, and let not strange gods, let not thine 
own sensuous nature, hold dominion over thy life. 

Let thy dealings be of such sort that a blush needs never 
visit thy cheek ; be sternly dumb to the voice of passion ; 
commit no sin, saying to thyself that thou wilt repent and 
make atonement at a later time. Let no oath ever pass thy 
lips ; play not the haughty aristocrat in thine heart ; follow 
not the desire of the eyes, banish carefully all guile from 
thy soul, all unseemly self-assertions from thy bearing and 
thy temper. Speak never mere empty words ; enter into 
strife with no man ; place no reliance on men of mocking 
lips ; wrangle not with evil men ; cherish not a too fixed good 



ETHICAL READINGS 119 

opinion of thyself, but lend thine ear to remonstrance and 
reproof. 

Honor thy parents ; make peace whenever thou canst 
among people, lead them gently into the good path ; place 
thy trust in, give thy company to, those who fear their God. 

If the means of thy support in life be measured out 
scantily to thee, remember that thou hast to be thankful and 
grateful even for the mere privilege to breathe, and that 
thou must take up that suffering as a test of thy piety and 
a preparation for better things. 

But if worldly wealth be lent to thee, exalt not thyself 
above thy poor brother ; for both of you came naked into 
the world, and both of you will surely have to sleep at last 
together in the dust. 

Let the man of humble mind carefully evade all marks of 
special esteem and recognition from men. If his failings 
are spoken of, let him give God thanks for putting this 
humiliation on him for the amendment of his ways if they 
need it. But if he is well and surely convinced that they 
need it not in that wherein they blame, let him after all 
remember that whatsoever he be, he is but imperfect com- 
pared with what is required of him, and forgive the person 
who is speaking ill of him. 

Surrender not thyself a slave to hate, that ruin of all 
the heart's good resolves, that destroyer of the very savor of 
food, of our sleep, of all reverence in our souls, 

If thou hadst lived in the dread days of martyrdom, and 
the populace had fallen on thee to force thee to apostatize 
from thy faith, thou wouldst surely, as did so many, have 
given thy life in its defence. Well then ; fight now the 
fight laid on thee in the better days, the fight with evil 
desire ; fight and conquer, and seek for allies in this warfare 
of thy soul, seek them in the fear of God and the study of 
His law. 



120 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER -BOOK 

Murmur not because the world goes well with the power- 
ful and wicked. The ways and the method of God are 
wonderful and admirable, even though our poor eyes may 
sometimes not be able to see the good things which we may 
be sure He always does for Israel. Remain faithful to the 
law, deny thyself even many things that are permitted; be so 
far as thou canst, ever of cheerful and even joyous temper ; 
and forget not that it is to God, God Eternal, God the Only 
One, to whom thy soul returns in death. 

That our soul may become perfected in righteousness, 
needs must that we bear griefs and agonies ; and never 
should it cross our minds for an instant to shrink from 
boldly acknowledging that we are Jews. 

Mislead no one through thy actions designedly, be he 
Jew or non-Jew ; be not disputatious and quarrelsome with 
people, whatever be their faith. 

If any one offer thee an amulet, alleging it to be useful 
in helping to favor or wealth, carry it not, but place thy 
undivided confidence in God alone. 

If, when thy plans fail, thou wouldst seek any other Lord 
than the Eternal thy God, it would be apostasy. 

There are three sorts of people for whom we ought to 
feel especial pain and sympathy : a reasonable, prudent 
creature subjected to a crazy fool ; a good man who has to 
take orders from a bad one ; and a noble being dependent 
upon one of vulgar nature. 

Ingratitude is the blackest of faults ; it is not to be 
endured even toward the dumb creatures whom we use. 

Hear not calumny willingly ; seek rather to admonish and 
encourage him who complains bitterly to thee of the doings 
of another. 

If a rich man and a poor man be sick, and thou seest all 
the world going to see the rich man, go thou to the poor 
one, even tho* he be ignorant and unlettered. 



ETHICAL READINGS 121 

If thou art in debt, pay thy debts before thou givest 
alms. 

Make no sign of visible disgust when thou meetest people 
afflicted with loathsome disease; for they too are God's 
creatures, remember, and healthy as well as sick are all alike 
dependent upon Him. 

Let no one be troubled in mind or take up wrong ideas 
because of the prosperity of wicked people or of such as 
hold parents in little honor ; their end is bad. The reason 
why good men have an ill lot in life is, lest men should 
fancy that the good man can only then be good when the 
world goes well with him. If a congregation has bad men 
at its head, that is a punishment for not valuing as they 
should the good men among them. The children of noble, 
righteous converts to the faith are to be preferred for the 
marriage tie, to children of Jews of low nature or con- 
duct. 

Let one who hath never known parents, but only elder 
brothers, render the respect and honor due to father and 
mother unto these. 

It is because man is half angel, half brute, that his inner 
life witnesses such bitter war between such unlike natures. 
The brute in him clamors for sensual joy and things in 
which there is only vanity ; but the angel resists and strives 
to make him know that meat, drink, sleep, are but means 
whereby the body may be made sufficient for the study of 
the truths, and the doing of the will of God. Not until the 
very hour of death can it be certain or known which of the 
two hath won the victory. 

The highest service that can be rendered God is to love 
Him, purely because He is our Creator. And he who is but 
a novice in the fear of God will do well to say audibly each 
day, as he rises : " This day will I be a faithful servant of 
the Almighty ; be on my guard against wrath, falsehood, 



1 22 THE JE WISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

hatred, quarrelsomeness ; and forgive those who wound me. 
For whoso forgives is forgiven in his turn ; hardheartedness 
and a temper that will not make up quarrels are a heavy- 
burden of sin, unworthy of an Israelite. 

The proud cedar is felled, while the humble shrub is left 
alone ; fire ascends and goes out, water descends and is not 
lost. 

What a man spends on the poor when he is in full health 
is gold ; when sick, silver ; what he provides for them in 
his last will, copper. 

Unmeasured drinking of wine brings poverty, shame, 
quarrels ; leads to calumnious talk, unchastity, murder, to 
the loss of freedom, of honor, of understanding. 

Well is it with him who, even out of all men's sight, fulfils 
the will of God ; who without murmuring suffers pain and 
trouble for his faith ; the day will come when he shall be 
freed from his griefs. 

Do not struggle vaingloriously for the small triumph of 
showing thyself in the right, and a wise man in the wrong ; 
thou art not one whit the wiser therefor. 

I lay on my children my injunction or advice that at 
morning, immediately after prayer, they read some passages 
in the Pentateuch or Psalms, or do some work of mercy. 
In their intercourse with others, Jews or not- Jews, let them 
be conscientious and anxious to do right, amiable and 
accommodating, and never speak when speech is super- 
fluous ; so will they be guarded against uttering words of 
calumny or mockery against others. 

The thread on which the different good qualities of 
human beings are strung, as pearls, is — the fear of God. 
When the fastenings of this fear are unloosed, the pearls 
roll in all directions and are lost one by one. But without 
taking a high degree in morality we can neither enter into 
possession of the learning of divine things nor fulfil positive 



ETHICAL READINGS 123 

precepts : nay, even a single grave moral fault may be the 
ruin of all other advantages, as when, for example, one is 
always seeking to set off his own excellence by bringing into 
prominence his neighbor's failings. It is just as with wine, 
the best of which may escape from a vessel through one 
little hole overlooked. 

The heart is like a tablet as yet unwritten ; fools scratch 
it all over and ruin it; only the wise know how to engrave it 
with suitable matter. 

Never be ashamed to learn, even from less men than 
thyself. 

Be tender-hearted towards servants. Make not their 
labor too heavy for them ; treat them not as though they were 
of no account whatever, by word of contempt or blows ; 
even in dispute with a serving man speak affably, and listen 
to what he hath to say. Our ancient teachers relieved the 
slave from all responsibility to criminal law, and provided 
anxiously for his needs, even as for their own. 

Forget never the merits that thou lackest, but forget 
always the good that thou hast done ; set down thy failings, 
thy faults, in thy book, but not the benefits thou hast con- 
ferred. Forget the wounds inflicted on thee by others, and 
when thou prayest, forget thou earthly things. 

Thou puttest thyself in fine garments to please men ; 
forget not that God looks in thy heart : adorn that well in 
honor of Him. 

Keep thy soul always pure ; thou knowest not the 
moment when it may be required of thee. Many a young, 
many a strong, man hath gone before thee to his home. 

Be not blind, but open eyed to the great wonders of 
nature, familiar objects of every day though they be to thee. 
But men are more wont to be astonished at the sun's eclipse 
than at his daily rising. 

Five bad habits are hard to get rid of : chattering, 
calumny, angry temper, suspicion, associating with badpeople. 



124 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER BOOK 

PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. 



i. Morning Prayers for Little Children. 

i. I thank God for keeping me in the night, and waking 
me up to life and strength. God, keep me and my dear 
parents, (brothers, sisters) this day. Amen. 

■z. Before everything else I give my thanks to Thee, my 
God, for awakening me to this day. Teach me how to fill 
it with love and kindness to all about me. Amen. 

3. Now this day has begun, grant that I may bring 
only happiness to my dear parents and all who love me. 
Amen. 

4. I thank Thee, my heavenly Father, for the blessings 
which Thou hast set around me; teach me to make good 
use of them, and to love what Thou lovest, and to be truly 
good unto all about me. Amen, 

2. Night Prayers for Little Children. 

1. My God, keep me safe this night, and bless my dear 
parents, (brothers, sisters) and all who are kind to me. 
Amen. 

2. I thank Thee, God and Father, for this happy day; 
now, do Thou still bless me with Thy care while I sleep. 
Amen. 

3. Before I close my eyes I want to thank Thee, my God, 
for the dear parents and kind people Thou hast placed 
around me. I hope I may always deserve their love and 
Thine. Amen. 

4. Now I lay me down to sleep, Father in heaven, take 
care of me ; if I sleep or if I wake, Thou art ever near to 
me. Amen. 



PRA YERS FOR CHILDREN 125 

3. Daily Prayers for Older Children. 

t v t: " v: t: •• t: • ^ - : 

" Hear, O Israel, the Eternal our God is the Eternal One." 

"Blessed be the name of His Kingdom's glory for ever and ever. '" 
" And thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart, and 
with all thy soul, and with all thy might." 

For Sunday Morning. 

My God and Father,, bless me during the coming week 
with Thy help in all my duties. Make me loving and 
obedient to my dear parents, and respectful to all whom I 
meet. To my teachers, who try to bring knowledge to me, 
let me always be attentive and grateful. This is my time to 
learn of all the wonderful things there are in this world Thou 
hast created; give me the patience and the power to under- 
stand them. Amen. 

For Sunday Night. 

Now I seek my nightly sleep, 

God of Israel, take care of me ; 
May that sleep be sound and sweet, 

And my waking happy be. 
Forgive me if I have this day 

Done any wrong in work or play ; 
Help me always do the right, 

Bless me every day and night. 
For Monday Morning. 

All-merciful Father, teach me to look upon each new 
day as a gift from Thee to be properly used in getting 
health and knowledge. Bless me when I try to bring 
pleasure to my dear parents; grant that I may bring them 
only pleasure. Let me love only those companions and 
friends who are truthful and honorable, and may I strive 
always to be worthy of them. Teach me to feel that Thou 
art ever close to me to help and to warn me. Amen. 



136 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

For Monday Night. 
Dear Father, now I sink to sleep, 

Remove all cause for fear; 
Teach me to trust in Thee and feel 

That always Thou art near. 
That no wrong-doing is unseen, 

No childish grief too small, 
For Thou with patience and with love 

Wilt soothe and comfort all. 

For Tuesday Morning. 

Help me, O God, to improve the day that is before me, 
and keep me from wasting time. Help me to learn some- 
thing good and new each day I live, that I may grow con- 
tinually in love for Thee. Teach me, too, to be useful to 
those around me, that I may learn to help them who help 
me so much. Grant that I may always do what is good, 
because it is good, and because it brings pleasure to Thee 
and to all whom I love; grant too that I may always refuse 
to do what I know is wrong, because it would bring pain to 
those who love me. Amen. 

For Tuesday Night, 
Lord God of Israel, Thou didst protect our people 
in many a time of darkness, when men did not under- 
stand the great truth they had to teach, that Thou art an 
ever-living, good and merciful God. So, too, my Father, 
protect all of us in the dark hours of the night, that we may 
be spared to teach by example those who do not know, that 
to obey Thee is the greatest happiness in life. Keep all 
evil far from us this night and every night. Amen. 

For Wednesday Morning. 
God of my fathers, Thou art the giver of every good 
and perfect gift; I thank Thee for this new day, and for Thy 



PR A YERS FOR CHILDREN 127 

care over me. And let me show how grateful I am to Thee 
for all Thy goodness, by my good conduct to those dear 
ones whom Thou didst give to me to make happy, my dear 
parents. Strengthen me always for this precious duty, and 
grant that I may never do or say anything that would cause 
them sorrow or displeasure. Preserve them long to me, my 
Father, to love and to serve. Amen. 

For Wednesday Night. 

Heavenly Father, grant me Thy blessing to-night before 
I seek my bed, and make me happy with the knowledge that 
I have done well this day in Thy sight. If I have been for- 
getful of my duty, may the memory of it teach me more care 
in the future* if I have been disobedient, I feel, my Father, 
how wrong- 1 was, and I pray that Thou wilt make me to be 
better in the future. I hope that all I have ever wronged 
will see that I am sorry for it by my improvement in conduct 
towards them. Do Thou only preserve me and guard me 
and keep me by day and night. Amen. 

For Thursday Morning. 
My God, let me always bear in my mind that Thou dost 
see me always, and wherever I may be; may I therefore be 
kind, and truthful and sincere in all I do. May I never 
trifle with the truth. Teach me always to be afraid and 
ashamed to tell a falsehood or do an act of meanness. Grant 
that I may always try hard to gain the love of parents, 
teachers and companions, by acts that are good and pure 
and noble and generous. Amen. 

For Thursday Night 
God, Thou madest earth and heaven, 

The darkness and the light ; 
The day for labor Thou hast given 

For restfulness the night ; 



128 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

May Thy goodness aye defend me, 

Slumber sweet Thy mercy send me, 

Happy dreams and hopes attend me, 
Until the morning light 

For Friday Morning. 

Bless me, O my Father, this day with Thy love and pro- 
tection, that all my duties may be well and faithfully 
performed. Now that the week is drawing to a close, and 
Thy holy day of rest approaches, grant that I may perform 
all that I have neglected, and leave nothing undone for the 
week. Looking back upon what has been accomplished, 
may I find only advancement in knowledge and love of 
truth; and, as well, the well-earned love of parents, teachers 
and companions, for that I have tried to do my duty to 
them all. Cause me to feel that Thy protecting hand will 
always abide with me if I do what is right and honorable. 
Amen, 

- For Friday Night. 

When now I seek my rest, O God of Israel, it is with 
especial gratitude to Thee for the happiness of the Sabbath 
evening which we have this night enjoyed, and the sweet 
and holy religious service we have read together. Grant 
that as I grow older I shall always love these prayers to 
Thee, and feel that I too am one of the nation Thou didst 
select, to tell men of Thee and of Thy goodness to all the 
world. Grant the holy peacefulness of the Sabbath eve 
shall be felt by all the world, that all may cease in their 
work and look up to Thee and recognize how wisely and 
well Thou hast ordained all things. Hold over us, this holy 
night, Thy protecting hand ; bless us all with life, health 
and happiness. Amen. 

For Sabbath Morning. 

Before we all, in honor of this day, go to the house 



PRA VERS FOR CHILDREN 129 

where public service in Thine honor is held, I will return 
my thanks, my Father, for Thy loving care in the night, and 
the protection Thou hast given unto us all. Hold far from 
us all sickness and all misfortune, so that our lives may pass 
in one continuous Sabbath Day of rest from anxiety, freedom 
from fear and fulness of trust in Thy love and Thy blessing. 
Amen. 

For Saturday Night. 
Be with me, O God, this night as I close the week with 
prayer to Thee. I thank Thee for the happiness of this 
week, and if I have done anything that has made it not 
happy and bright for me and for all around me, grant that I 
may soon have better knowledge and better inclination, than 
to displease those who are alwayssogood,so thoughtful and 
good to me. Strengthen all my powers, that from week to 
week I may grow in wisdom and love for all that is good ; 
to delight those who love me, and to pay them back some 
portion of the love they shed so generously upon me. Bless 
all my dear ones too, and grant us many, many years to be 
together in health and happiness. Amen, 

4. Grace Before and After Meals. 

Before Meals, 

We offer our thanks to Thee, Almighty ruler of the world, 
for the food Thou dost provide for us; may we always 
recognise that like all else in life, it comes from Thy 
goodness, Amen. 

After Meals. 

Accept our thanks, Allmerciful Father, for the meal we 
have enjoyed of Thy bounty. Grant that the recollection of 
how much we owe to Thy goodness every day, may make 
us kind and generous to all around, and that we may love 
to make others happy, even as Thou dost make us so. So 



130 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

teach us to understand what was made known unto our 
forefathers, that Thou art a merciful and a loving God, and 
dost desire the happiness of all Thy creatures, Amen. 

5. A Child's Prayer on its Birthday. 
On this my happy birthday, my heavenly Father, I thank 
Thee for all the good with which Thou hast surrounded me 
in life ; for dear parents, relations, teachers, friends and 
companions whom I love, and whose affection has made life 
so beautiful and sweet for me. Grant me, my Father, the 
happiness to show all these beloved ones how grateful I am 
to them, by my uniform desire to please them, to do 
what is good and upright, and at all times be true, 
affectionate, and dutiful towards them. Preserve them all 
in life and health and happiness. And unto me, kind 
Father, send health and happiness too, that as I grow older 
I may grow wiser too, and better, and more and more 
obedient to Thy will and Thy law. Let me never forget 
that my life and all that is in it, comes from Thee, and that 
it is my most sacred duty to use that life well, wisely and 
honorably. Amen. 

6. A Child's Prayer on its Parent's Birthday. 
Almighty Father, I love Thy goodness, which has pro- 
vided me with happiness and comfort, and I love my dear 
parents too, whose kind care and protection are ever around 
me. I pray to Thee that Thou wilt bless them with every- 
thing that is for their happiness. Preserve them long in 
life, for they are the guardian angels of my path, and my 
benefactors all my days. Since the time when I was an 
infant, they have cared for me, they have watched and 
worked for me; for my body and my mind they have dili- 
gently provided. They have taught me, O my God, to 
know Thee, and to turn to Thee in love and confidence. 



PRA YERS FOR CHILDREN 131 

Their affectionate hearts have always sought to comfort me 
with tender sympathy in ail the events of my life. When- 
ever I think how much they have loved me, how kind and 
self-sacrificing they have been to me, I feel that I can not 
find words enough to ask of Thee all that I would like to 
have them enjoy. But Thou, O God, dost see the depths 
of my soul, and canst read there my affection for my parents; 
give ear to my wishes, grant answer unto my petitions. 
Bestow upon my parents Thy richest gift, a long life full of 
happiness and of joy and of peace. Let even their latter 
days be joyous and cheerful, free from all pain and grief, 
and let them see realized all the hopes and desires they 
have for the happiness and welfare of those they love. 
Amen. 

7. Prayer at the Commencement of School-term. 
Almighty Father, Thou art the source of all wisdom, 
and all our learning comes from Thee and Thy doings in 
this wide universe. Grant that now we have gathered to 
resume our studies again, we may look upon each new fact 
we learn as a new revelation of Thy handiwork, that every 
truth that is brought home to us may speak to us of 
Thy goodness and Thy power. Give me health and 
strength to continue my studies diligently, and if at times I 
should grow weary and my tasks seem hard, remind me of 
the swiftness with which these years of youth pass away, 
wherein alone I can profitably learn. Thy blessing upon 
us all, I implore, Thou merciful Father ; hold far from us 
all harm and let our work together, of teachers and of 
scholars, be a labor of love and earnest interest. Amen. 

8. Prayers at the Close of School-term. 
The long-looked for time of rest has come, Almighty 
Father, and now that the past months have been passed in 



132 THE JE WISH HOME PEA YER-BOOK 

faithful study, we rejoice that the period of relaxation has 
arrived. Give us the wisdom to see that even outside of 
our books we still can study the examples of Thy greatness 
and Thy goodness, that all the world around is full of 
instances of Thy supreme majesty and Thy power. This is 
the distinction Thou in olden time didst accord unto Thy 
chosen people Israel, to perceive aright the workings of 
Thy will in the universe ; grant that we, the descendants 
of those who first recognised Thy true nature, shall likewise 
glory in our perception of Thy handiwork around us in every 
form and feature of life. Hold Thy protecting hand over 
us in the term of our repose, grant that we may lay in a 
store of health and strength, to be employed once more in 
continuing our studies, to know Thee and to praise Thee 
for all we enjoy. Bless all who are around me with well- 
being and happiness, Amen* 

9. Prayer for a sick Friend. 
Almighty Father, in Thy hand alone is healing, Thou 
art the Physician of all flesh. Accept my prayer, my good 

and kind Father, in behalf of my sick friend 

who lies in grievous ailment and distress, and for whom we 
are deeply concerned. Send him (her) cessation of pain 
and suffering ; cause all the care and attention being 
lavished upon him (her) to be rewarded with Thy blessing, 
and grant unto him (her) perfect recovery, without trace or 
remains of ailment. And may this reminder we have had, 
of how completely we depend upon Thee to save us in 
sickness and in infirmity, make our lives earnest and holy, 
as the gifts of Thy grace and goodness unto us. Cause us 
all therefore ever to be careful of our health and strength, 
that we may spare those who love us the pain and anxiety 
which illness brings, and that we may make due return to 
Thee for Thy constant care and constant blessing, Amen. 



PRA YERS FOR CHILDREN 133 

10. Prayer During Preparation for Confirmation. 
Heavenly Father, deign to accept me this day as Thy 
servant, and grant me Thy divine aid, that I may become 
more worthy of the countless blessings Thou hast bestowed 
upon me, for without Thee, I am naught. Help me to go 
forward with undoubting faith and deep reverence in the 
preparation of my soul for the assumption of its religious 
duties; give me the grace to keep my mind and lips from 
evil, to learn to love only what is good and pure and worthy, 
and to observe Thy law, both as regards Thee, O wondrous 
God, and my fellow-creatures. To Thy keeping, O Lord, I 
commend my spirit, and in Thee who art alone our help and 
shield, I place my trust. Amen. 

Seeds. 

The bud will soon become a flower, 

The flower become a seed ; 
Then seize, O youth, the present hour, 

Of that thou hast most need. 

Do thy best always — do it now — 

For in the present time, 
As in the furrows of a plow, 

Fall seeds of good or crime. 

The sun and rain will ripen fast 

Each seed that thou hast sown ; 
And every act and word at last 

By its own fruit be known. 

And soon the harvest of thy toil 

Rejoicing, thou shalt reap; 
Or o'er thy wild neglected soil, 

Go forth in shame to weep. 



134 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

POETICAL SELECTIONS 



The Home-Prayer. 

As down in the sunless retreats of the ocean, 

Sweet flowers are springing no mortal can see, 
So, deep in my soul, the still prayer of devotion 
Unheard by the world, rises silent to Thee, 
My God, silent to Thee — 
Pure, warm, silent, to Thee. 

As still to the star of its worship, though clouded, 
The needle points faithfully o'er the dim sea, — 
So dark when I roam, in this wintry world shrouded, 
The hope of my spirit turns trembling to Thee. 
My God, trembling to Thee — 
Pure, warm, trembling, to Thee ! 



God. 

O Thou eternal One ! whose presence bright 

All space doth occupy; all motion guide; 
Unchanged through time's all-devastating flight; 

Thou only God ! There is no God beside ! 
Being above all beings ! Mighty One ! 

Whom none can comprehend and none explore; 
Who fill'st existence with Thyself alone ; 

Embracing all — supporting — ruling o'er — 
Being whom we call God — and know no more ! 

In its sublime research, philosophy 

May measure out the ocean-deep — may count 

The sands or the sun's rays — but God ! for Thee 
There is no weight nor measure : — none can mount 



POETICAL SELECTIONS 135 

Up to Thy mysteries : Reason's brightest spark 

Though kindled by Thy light, in vain would try 
To trace Thy counsels, infinite and dark : 

And thought is lost ere thought can soar so high, 

Even like past moments in eternity. 

Thy chains the unmeasured universe surround : 

Upheld by Thee, by Thee inspired with breath ; 
Thou the beginning with the end hast bound, 

And beautifully mingled life with death ! 
As sparks mount upward from the fiery blaze, 

So suns are born, so worlds spring forth from Thee ; 
And as the spangles in the sunny rays 

Shine round the silver snow, the pageantry 
Of heaven's bright army glitters in Thy praise. 

Yes, as a drop of water in the sea, 

All this magnificence in Thee is lost : — 
What are ten thousand worlds compared to Thee ? — 

And what am I then ? — Heaven's unnumbered host, 
Though multiplied by myriads, and arrayed 

In all the glory of sublimest thought, 
Is but an atom in the balance, weighed 

Against Thy greatness, is a cipher brought 
Against infinity. What am I then ? Naught! 

Naught; but the effluence of Thy light divine 

Pervading worlds, hath reached my bosom too ; 
Yes, in my spirit doth Thy spirit shine, 

As shines the sunbeam in a drop of dew. 
Naught ; but I live, and on hope's pinions fly 

Eager towards Thy presence \ for in Thee 
I live and breathe, and dwell ; aspiring high, 
E'en to the throne of Thy divinity. 
I am, O God ! and surely Thou must be I 



136 THE JEWISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

Creator, yes ! Thy wisdom and Thy word 

Created me. Thou source of life and good ! 
Thou spirit of my spirit and my Lord ! 

Thy light, Thy love, in their bright plenitude 
Filled me with an immortal soul, to spring 

Over the abyss of death, and bade it wear 
The garments of eternal day, and wing 

Its heavenly flight beyond this little sphere, 
Even to its source — to Thee — its author there. 

O thoughts ineffable ! O visions blest ! 

Though worthless our conceptions all of Thee, 
Yet shall Thy shadowed image fill our breast, 

And waft its homage to Thy Deity. 
God ! thus alone my lowly thoughts can soar ; 

Thus seek Thy presence — Being wise and good ! 
Midst Thy vast works admire, obey, adore ; 

And when the tongue is eloquent no more, 
The soul shall speak in tears of gratitude. 

The Lord is Nigh. 
When the storm-shattered vessel is toss'd by the gale, 

And each billow speeds on, bearing havoc and death, 
Till the courage grows weak and the strength waxes frail, 

With the wild sky above and the wild waves beneath ; 

When the young heart is crushed 'mid its early delights, 
And the soul is bowed down with a weight of despair, 

And we turn from a treacherous world that requites 
Our warmest heart-treasures with anguish and care ; 

When the one whom we cherished turns coldly away 

And we weep o'er the dream that has cheated our youth, 

And mourn that no longer one love-beaming ray 
Will return to illumine our pathway with truth ; 



POETICAL SELECTIONS 137 

Then, then— in our anguish we fly unto Thee, 

When the false world is fading like dreams of the night, 

And the idols to whom we have bended the knee 
Have fallen to earth and are broke in our sight. 

And Thou, oh ! Thou hearest the suppliant's voice, 
Whether tossed on the ocean or wrecked on the earth ; 

And Thy mercies can cause the sad heart to rejoice, 

Though surrounded by perils and storms from his birth 



The Sabbath-Lamp. 

Shine, Sabbath Lamp, oh, shine with tender ray ! 

Pierce the soft wavelets of the fading light ; 
Speed the faint footsteps of the waning day, 

And greet the shadows of the coming night. 

Cast thy rays upward — cleave the darkening air, 
And lift a stream of brilliant light on high ; 

Shine on the wings of faith, and may they bear 
The wavering, wandering heart from earth to sky. 

Fling thy rays downward— may their sacred rays 
On life's rough road of earthly travel shine ; 

And strew the crags that fret the rugged way 
With sparkling gems which flash a light divine ! 

Ah ! shine afar, and may thy waves of light 
Bring near the absent dear ones far away ; 

Show us our loved ones in our dreams to-night, 
Our lost ones who rest in Heaven's Sabbath-Day. 

Shine, Sabbath Lamp, with ray of heavenly birth, 
Emblem of faith and hope in mercy given; 

Gleam on the rude, dark path we tread on earth, 
And light our souls to find the road to heaven. 



138 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

Our Trials, 

Source of my life's refreshing springs, 

Whose presence in my heart sustains me, 
Thy love appoints me pleasant things, 

Thy mercy orders all that pains me. 
If loving hearts were never lonely, 

If all they wish might always be, 
Accepting what they look for only, 

They might be glad — but not in Thee. 
Well may Thine own beloved, who see 

In all their lot their Father's pleasure, 
Bear loss of all they love, save Thee, 

Their living, everlasting treasure I 
Well may Thy happy children cease 

From restless wishes prone to sin, 
And, in Thine own exceeding peace, 

Yield to Thy daily discipline ! 
We need as much the load we bear, 

As air we breathe, as light we see ; 
It draws us to Thy side in prayer, 

It binds us to our strength in Thee. 

The Time of Old Age. 

" Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength 
faileth " — Psalms Ixxi^ 9. 

If, gracious God, in life's green ardent year, 

A thousand times Thy patient love I tried ; 
With reckless heart, with conscience hard and sear, 

Thy gifts perverted, and Thy power defied — 
O grant me, now that winter snows appear 

Around my brow, and youth's bright promise hide — 
Grant me with reverential awe to hear 

Thy holy voice, and in Thy word confide. 



POETICAL SELECTIONS 139 

Blot from my book of life its early stain ! 

Since days misspent will nevermore return, 
My future path do Thou in mercy trace ; 

So cause my soul with pious zeal to burn, 
That all the trust which in Thy name I place, 

Frail as I am, may not prove wholly vain. 



The Mystic Tie. 

There is a mystic tie that joins 
The children of the Hebrew race, 

In bonds of sympathy and love 

Which time and change can not efface. 

When 'mid the world's abuse and scorn 
The sons of Israel bravely stood, 

That bond was holier, stronger still — 
Cemented by their martyrs' blood. 

And though to-day the Hebrews dwell 
In every clime and every land, 

Yet, joined by that immortal tie, 
A holy brotherhood they stand. 

Go to the north where polar stars 
Look down on fields of ice and snow, 

Go where in sunny tropic climes 
The gentle breezes softly blow. 

Go to the countries of the east — 
Arabia and the Hindoo land; — 

Go where the calm Pacific sweeps, 
'Gainst California's golden strand; — 

And there in reverent tones is heard 
The sacred cry, always the same, 



HO THE JEWISH HOME PR A YER-BOOK 

O Israel hear ! our God is One, 
Blest be for aye His holy name ! 

This is the mystic tie that joins 
The children of the Hebrew race ; 

This is the grand and holy bond 

Which time and change can not efface. 



Life's Good-Morning. 

Life, we've been long together, 

Through pleasant and through cloudy weather; 

'Tis hard to part when friends are dear; 

Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear. — 

Then steal away, give little warning, 

Choose thine own time; 
Say not "Good-Night," but in some brighter clime, 

Bid me " Good-Morning. " 



To the Loved Dead. 

In thy far-away dwelling, wherever it be, 

I believe thou hast visions of mine ; 
And the love that made all things a music to me, 

I have not yet learned to resign. 

In the hush of the night, on the waste of the sea, 
Or alone with the breeze on the hill, 

I have ever a presence that whispers of thee, 
And my spirit lies down and is still ! 

Mine eye must be dark, that so long has been dim, 
Ere again it may gaze upon thine : 



POETICAL SELECTIONS 141 

But my heart has revealings of thee and thy home 
In many a token and sign. 

T never look up with a vow to the sky, 

But a light like thy beauty is there, 
And I hear a low murmur like thine in reply, 

When I pour out my spirit in prayer. 

And though, like a mourner that sits by a tomb, 

I am wrapped in a mantle of care, 
Yet the grief of my bosom — oh, call it not gloom ! — 

Is not the black grief of despair ; 

By sorrow revealed, as the stars are by night, 

Far off a bright vision appears, 
And hope, like the rainbow, a creature of light, 

Is born — like the rainbow — in tears ! 



The Tongue. 

Guard well thy lips ; none, none can know 
What evils from the tongue may flow ; 
What guilt, what grief may be incurred 
By one incautious, hasty word. 

Be " slow to speak ; -' look well within, 
To check what there may lead to sin ; 
And pray unceasingly for aid, 
Lest, unawares, thou be betrayed. 

Condemn not, judge not, — not to man 
Is given his brother's faults to scan ; 
One task is thine, and one alone, — 
To search out and subdue thine own. 



142 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

Indulge no murmuring ; oh, restrain 
Those lips so ready to complain ; 
And, if they can be numbered, count 
Of one day's mercies, the amount. 

Set God before thee ; every word 
Thy lips pronounce, by Him is heard ; 
Oh, couldst thou realize this thought, 
What care, what caution would be taught ! 

11 The time is short ; M this day may be 
The very last assigned to thee ; 
So speak, that shouldst thou speak no more, 
Thou may'st not this day's words deplore. 



My Times are in Thy hand. 

I take my pilgrim staff anew, 
Life's path, untrodden, to pursue, 
Thy guiding eye, my Lord, I view; 
My times are in Thy hand. 

Throughout the year, my heavenly Friend, 
On Thy blest guidance I depend, 
From its commencement to its end 
My times are in Thy hand. 

Should comfort, health and peace be mine, 
Should hours of gladness on me shine, 
Then let me trace Thy love divine; 
My times are in Thy hand. 

But shouldst Thou visit me again 
With languor, sorrow, sickness, pain 
Still let this thought my hope sustain, 
My times are in Thy hand. 



POETICAL SELECTIONS 143 

Should those this year be called away 
Who lent to life its brightest ray, 
Teach me in that dark hour to say, 
My times are in Thy hand. 

A few more days, a few more years — 
O, then a bright reverse appears, 
Then I shall no more say with tears, 
My times are in Thy hand. 

That hand my steps will gently guide 
Till I must plunge in death's dark tide, 
Then bear me to the heavenward side; 
My times are in Thy hand. 



The Chanuka Hymn. 

Adapted to the Traditional Melody. 
Fortress-rock, my God, my aid, 

To Thee my praises shall ascend ; 
Rebuild mine ancient house of prayer, 
On Zion bid Thy grace descend, 

Then at Thy new-restored shrine, 
My sons in prayer shall low incline, 
That ancient fane, once mine again, in Thy pure service 
all will bend. 

My soul is wearied by the woe 

The ages rained upon my head, 
From early days when Egypt's hate 
Sustained me on " affliction's bread." 

But from Thy great redeeming hand, 
The blow fell by the Red Sea strand. 
With pomp and boast, the Pharaoh's host, was hurled 
deep into ocean's bed. 



144 THE JE WISH HOME PRA YER-BOOK 

'Twas then Thou broughtest me at length 

To Zion's rocky temple-hill ; 
Alas, I was not faithful there, 
For other gods I worshiped still ! 
The bitter cup an exile sees 
I drained unto its lowest lees, 
But hopeful dreams by Babel's streams, came true in 
edicts of Thy will. 

Amalek's son next sought to smite 
And bow the cedar's lofty head ; 
But pride o'ervaulting fell to earth, 
And swift its punishment then sped. 

The Jew was raised to highest rank, 
The foe before his merit sank, 
Unrighteous hate, in Persia's state, the plotter to the 
gallows led. 

The Syrian last his anger spent 

Upon my poor defenceless head ; 
My shrine defiled, my law proscribed, 
Idolatry set up instead. 

Then brave arose the Maccabee, 
The foe beat off most gloriously, 
And these glad days attest their praise who for Thy truth 
so nobly bled. 



o AA 



j 



